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Interface-engineered electrolyte–electrode design with lithium nitrate for durable aqueous zinc-ion batteries in sustainable energy applications
Nano Research 2026, 19(8): 94908593
Published: 23 June 2026
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Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising candidates for next-generation large-scale renewable energy storage systems owing to their intrinsic safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility. However, their practical deployment is limited by dendritic zinc growth, hydrogen evolution, and unstable electrolyte–electrode interfaces, which reduce cycle life and operational reliability. In this work, we present an interface-engineered electrolyte–electrode composite approach utilizing lithium nitrate (LiNO3) as a multifunctional additive to regulate Zn2+ solvation and promote controlled deposition. Through competitive ligand coordination, NO3 anions partially replace H2O and SO42− ligands in the Zn2+ solvation shell, enabling enhanced ionic mobility, uniform metal deposition, and suppressed ZnSO4 aggregate formation. Optimized LiNO3 concentration (0.075 wt.%) yields Zn||Ti half-cells with over 500 stable cycles and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7%, while Zn||Zn symmetric cells exhibit dendrite-free operation exceeding 1300 h even under high current densities. Complementary molecular dynamics simulations and experimental characterization reveal preferential deposition along the Zn (002) crystal plane and the formation of a robust, Li3N-containing solid electrolyte interphase, improving interfacial conductivity and corrosion resistance. Full-cell tests with MnO2 cathodes demonstrate an initial specific capacity of 263 mAh·g−1, retaining 65% after 300 cycles at 1 A·g−1, with Coulombic efficiency consistently above 99.7%. This composite interface design strategy provides a scalable pathway for engineering durable zinc-based batteries, directly supporting the development of high-performance, long-life energy storage modules for grid-level renewable integration and other engineering applications.

Open Access Research Article Just Accepted
Sodiophilic Fe/Na anodes enabling dendrite-free sodium metal batteries with ultralong cycle life
Nano Research
Available online: 26 May 2026
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Sodium metal anodes hold great promise for next-generation high-energy batteries, yet practical deployment is hindered by severe dendrite growth and unstable electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Herein, we report a facile one-step rolling strategy to fabricate Fe/Na anodes, in which Fe nanoparticles are uniformly incorporated into the Na matrix to serve as sodiophilic nucleation sites. Structural analyses confirm the high purity, uniform dispersion, and improved surface integrity of the Fe/Na electrodes. Electrochemical measurements reveal a markedly reduced nucleation overpotential and enhanced charge-transfer kinetics, with a low activation energy of 26.87 kJ mol-1 compared to pure Na (43.48 kJ mol-1). As a result, Fe/Na||Fe/Na symmetric cells deliver exceptional cycling stability (850 h at 0.1 mA cm-2 and 600 h at 0.5 mA cm-2), while full cells coupling Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes exhibit excellent rate capability (73.7 mAh g-1 at 10 C) and long-term retention (81% after 240 cycles at 5 C). Mechanistic investigations reveal that Fe incorporation effectively suppresses dendrite formation by promoting uniform Na deposition. This work provides both experimental and kinetic insights into alloy-based Na anodes, offering a scalable and cost-effective strategy for high-power, dendrite-free sodium metal batteries.

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