Highly Reversible Zinc Anode Enabled by Trifunctional\nDiethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid Additive

Rechargeable\naqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising energy\nstorage systems. However, dendrite growth and side reactions on the\nzinc anode compromise the Coulombic efficiency (CE) and limit the\nlifespan, posing constraints on the development of AZIBs. Herein we\nintroduce a trifunctional additive, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic\nacid (DTPA), into the electrolyte, which forms a “shielding\neffect” layer on the zinc surface, replaces the coordinated\nH<sub>2</sub>O molecules in the solvation sheath of zinc ions, and\nmoderates the rise in pH of the electrolyte, causing great enhancement\nin the reversibility and cycling life of the zinc anode. The Zn||Zn\nsymmetric cell with 1.5 wt % DTPA achieves a prolonged cycle life\nof 5000 h. The V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>||Zn full battery, with the\naddition of DTPA, demonstrated enhanced rate performance and cycling\nstability. This work provides a straightforward, environmentally friendly,\nand economically feasible strategy for achieving a highly stable AZIB.