One step electrodeposition to prepare Mg-doped zinc anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Zinc alloy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anodes have received widespread attention due to their low cost and high theoretical capacity. However, its volume expansion during the cycling process leads to structural damage and pulverization of the active substance, greatly limiting its further development. This study reports a simple method for preparing pure zinc and Zn–Mg alloy anode materials by one step electrodeposition, and the effect of magnesium doping on the electrochemical performance of zinc anodes was studied. The results indicate that compared with pure zinc anodes, Zn–Mg alloys provide suitable voids for electron transfer and ion diffusion, reducing the charge transfer resistance of zinc anodes. The Zn 83.8 Mg 16.2 LIBs anode shows excellent specific capacity, rate performance, and cycling stability. At the current density of 100 mA g −1 , the initial discharge/charge capacities are 700.4/340.8 mAh·g −1 , and after 1000 cycles, the capacity remains at 137.9 mAh·g −1 and the coulombic efficiency is nearly 100 %. This study provides a candidate method for the preparation of alloy anode materials.