Highly Reversible Zinc Anode Enabled by Trifunctional Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid Additive

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising energy storage systems. However, dendrite growth and side reactions on the zinc anode compromise the Coulombic efficiency (CE) and limit the lifespan, posing constraints on the development of AZIBs. Herein we introduce a trifunctional additive, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), into the electrolyte, which forms a “shielding effect” layer on the zinc surface, replaces the coordinated H2O molecules in the solvation sheath of zinc ions, and moderates the rise in pH of the electrolyte, causing great enhancement in the reversibility and cycling life of the zinc anode. The Zn||Zn symmetric cell with 1.5 wt % DTPA achieves a prolonged cycle life of 5000 h. The V2O5||Zn full battery, with the addition of DTPA, demonstrated enhanced rate performance and cycling stability. This work provides a straightforward, environmentally friendly, and economically feasible strategy for achieving a highly stable AZIB.