Simple Fabrication of Single Crystal Zinc Metal via Dislocation Motion for Zinc Ion Batteries

Despite being one of the most promising candidates for grid-level energy storage, practical aqueous zinc batteries encounter limitations that compromise their safety and cycling performance, primarily due to dendrite formation. However, this study introduces a novel approach by fabricating a single-crystal zinc metal, effectively preventing dendrite formation. The manufacturing method employed in this study is remarkably straightforward. By subjecting a zinc ingot to a pressing process at a high temperature for few hour pressing, single crystal zinc metal is successfully produced. Remarkably, the dendrite-free electrode retains its integrity even after prolonged cycling, surpassing 2000 cycles at 4 mA cm−2. This exceptional electrochemical performance is attributed to the use of single-crystal zinc metal, which effectively suppresses the primary sources of defect generation during electroplating and promotes planar deposition morphologies. By minimizing defect sites, including those typically found along grain boundaries or arising from lattice mismatch, the opportunity for dendritic structures to form is significantly reduced, even under extreme plating rates. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of single-crystal zinc metal in achieving high-performance aqueous zinc batteries. By addressing the dendrite formation issue, we can enhance the safety and cycling stability of these batteries, making them even more suitable for large-scale energy storage applications.