Spatial and anchoring effects of zirconia-doped 3D scaffolds for stable zinc anodes

Dendrite growth and polarization are significant obstacles to the cycling stability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). This work reports a zirconia-doped carbon nanofiber (ZrO 2 -CF) 3D scaffold fabricated via electrospinning and thermal treatment. Through electrochemical testing, physical Characterization, first-principles calculations, and finite element simulations, we analyzed the structure, mechanism, and performance of ZrO 2 -CF as a modified anode material. The unique 3D architecture of ZrO 2 -CF induces a “spatial effect,” offering a high specific surface area and excellent electronic pathways. Additionally, the “anchoring effect” of ZrO 2 , nitrogen-containing groups, and C O Zr and N Zr O bridges promotes uniform Zn deposition, enhances interfacial stability, and suppresses hydrogen evolution. The ZrO 2 -CF electrode achieves a high Coulombic efficiency of 98.6 % over 100 cycles and, in full cell, delivers initial capacities of 75 mAh g −1 at 1,000 mA g −1 and 124 mAh g −1 at 200 mA g −1 , with retention rates of 47 % and 76.8 % after 100 cycles, respectively. This study demonstrates the synergistic effects of “spatial” and “anchoring” mechanisms in mitigating dendrite growth and polarization, highlighting the potential of ZrO 2 -CF scaffolds for improving the overall performance of AZIBs.