Zn(002)-preferred and pH-buffering triethanolamine as electrolyte additive for dendrite-free Zn anodes

Zn anodes of aqueous batteries face severe challenges from side reactions and dendrite growth. Here, triethanolamine (TEOA) is developed as an electrolyte additive to address these challenges. It enhances the exposure of Zn(002) and diminishes the change in pH. Therefore, the electrolyte containing TEOA shows improved electrochemical performance. TEOA as an electrolyte additive preferentially adsorbs on Zn(002) and enhances Zn(002) exposure, suppressing dendrite growth and side reactions. Meanwhile, it diminishes the change in pH near Zn anode, reducing the formation of byproducts.