Large-Scale Nanofiber Manufacturing| Spatial and Electrostatic Dual-Confinement in Hierarchical Hollow Bi-Bi₂O₃@Carbon Nanofibers for Dendrite Suppression and Side Reaction Mitigation in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Professor Liu Yong's Team from Beijing University of Chemical Technology: Nanofiber Membrane with Dual-Confinement Effect for Dendrite Suppression in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Anodes

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted widespread attention as a green, safe, and low-cost energy storage technology. However, zinc dendrite formation and side reactions during repeated charge/discharge cycles remain major bottlenecks limiting their long cycle life and high efficiency.

Recently, Professor Liu Yong from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Professor Wang Ce from Jilin University, and Professor Hu Ping from Tsinghua University published a research paper titled "Spatial and Electrostatic Dual-Confinement in Hierarchical Hollow Bi-Bi₂O₃@Carbon Nanofibers for Dendrite Suppression and Side Reaction Mitigation in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries" in Advanced Functional Materials. The study reports a novel anode material for AZIBs prepared by electrospinning - Bi-Bi₂O₃-loaded carbon nanofibers (Bi-Bi₂O₃@CNF) with hierarchical hollow structures and surface grooves, demonstrating excellent performance in suppressing zinc dendrite growth, reducing side reactions, and mitigating battery polarization.

Figure 1 illustrates the electrospinning preparation process of Bi-Bi₂O₃@CNF composites. 

The unique "spatial & electrostatic dual-confinement effect" arising from the material's distinctive structure enables uniform Zn deposition on fiber surfaces, inhibiting dendrite formation. Compared to pure Zn anodes, it effectively reduces ohmic impedance, increases hydrogen evolution reaction resistance, alleviates polarization, and significantly improves Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability. The battery maintains 73% capacity after 1000 cycles with high capacity retention at 1000 mA·g⁻¹ current density.

Figure 2 shows the electrochemical performance of Bi-Bi₂O₃@CNF and CNF in half-cells at current densities of 5 mA·cm⁻² and 10 mA·cm⁻².

This research not only provides new insights for addressing zinc dendrite issues in AZIBs but also lays the foundation for designing next-generation efficient and safe battery materials.