Operando non-topological conversion constructing the high-performance nickel-zinc battery anode.

[Display omitted] • A new operando non-topological conversion strategy of the ZnIn 2 S 4. • The obtained ZnO@In 2 O 3 as the nickel-zinc battery anode exhibits the enhanced performance. • This work provides a novel strategy to construct high-performance electrode materials. Nickel-zinc batteries have obvious advantages such as high safety, environmental friendship, and high energy density, making them as the most promising alternatives to replace the traditional lead-acid batteries. However, the notorious zinc dendrite issue seriously hinders the development of the nickel-zinc battery. Considering In 2 O 3 can inhibit zinc dendrite effectively, hence it is important to obtain the zinc electrode with uniformly dispersed In 2 O 3. Here, via applying an operando non-topological conversion reaction of ZnIn 2 S 4 , the zinc oxide composite anode with evenly distributed In 2 O 3 can be constructed. Through a series of characterizations such as X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopes, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the operando non-topological conversion reaction from ZnIn 2 S 4 precursor to ZnO@In 2 O 3 can be directly demonstrated. Meanwhile, as the nickel-zinc battery anode, the obtained ZnO@In 2 O 3 can achieve the high specific capacity (520 mAh g−1), high rate performance, and long cycle stability. This operando non-topological conversion strategy provides a new approach for designing the high-performance electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]