Operando non-topological conversion constructing the high-performance nickel-zinc battery anode

Abstract Nickel-zinc batteries have obvious advantages such as high safety, environmental friendship, and high energy density, making them as the most promising alternatives to replace the traditional lead-acid batteries. However, the notorious zinc dendrite issue seriously hinders the development of the nickel-zinc battery. Considering In2O3 can inhibit zinc dendrite effectively, hence it is important to obtain the zinc electrode with uniformly dispersed In2O3. Here, via applying an operando non-topological conversion reaction of ZnIn2S4, the zinc oxide composite anode with evenly distributed In2O3 can be constructed. Through a series of characterizations such as X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopes, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the operando non-topological conversion reaction from ZnIn2S4 precursor to ZnO@In2O3 can be directly demonstrated. Meanwhile, as the nickel-zinc battery anode, the obtained ZnO@In2O3 can achieve the high specific capacity (520 mAh g-1), high rate performance, and long cycle stability. This operando non-topological conversion strategy provides a new approach for designing the high-performance electrode materials.