Pulsed laser-modified zinc anode with improved dendrite and corrosion resistance for sustainable high performance zinc ion hybrid supercapacitors

This research explores the development and evaluation of zinc ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHSCs) with a focus on the enhanced performance and low corrosion attributes of pulsed laser-modified zinc anodes compared to their non-modified counterparts. These anodes, paired with cathodes crafted from activated carbon derived from jute sticks on graphite foil, were immersed in a 2 M zinc sulfate electrolyte. A pivotal aspect of the study is improving the electrochemical properties and corrosion resistance of zinc anodes achieved through precise pulsed laser modification. Extensive electrochemical testing was conducted to assess the capacitive behavior, energy storage capabilities, and durability of the supercapacitors during prolonged cycling. Hence, using the laser modified anode, we attain remarkable stability in Zn||Zn symmetric cells for 1000 h at high current density of 10 mA cm⁻² with a capacity of 1 mAh cm⁻², and ZIHSCs achieving specific capicitance up to 287 F/g at a current density of 0.1 A/g, and reaching an energy density of 102 Wh/kg while sustaining a power density of 80 W/kg. After 10,000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles, these supercapacitors maintained high capacitance values, underscoring their resilience. Notably, charge transfer resistance reduction, improved ion diffusion and enhanced corrosion resistance contributes to the supercapacitors' longevity and efficiency, which can be attributed to these anodes laser-induced surface alterations. This study highlights the crucial role of pulsed laser-modified zinc anodes in advancing ZIHSCs performance, marking a significant step towards achieving efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.