Tuning Zn ion diffusion and desolvation via zincophilic carbonyl-rich interphase towards highly reversible and dendrite-free zinc anodes

Abstract

Serious dendrite formation and sluggish dynamics at Zn anode hinder the commercialization of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Here, a zincophilic and carbonyl-rich zinc citrate interphase was in-situ constructed on Zn anode surface (Zn@CZ) to overcome the above-mentioned challenges. Finding confirms that the introduced zinc citrate layer could effectively homogenize the interfacial electric field distribution and favor Zn²⁺ transport at the anode due to the reduced nucleation barrier. Moreover, the functional oxygen-containing groups on Zn@CZ electrode accelerate the Zn²⁺ desolvation process and isolate the electrolytes, which further restrains the water-related parasitic reactions. As a result, the Zn@CZ anode exhibits an ultralong cycle lifespan of 6270 h at 1 mA cm⁻²/0.5 mAh cm⁻², and maintains long-term stability for 4320 h at 5 mA cm⁻²/2 mAh cm⁻² with a high cumulative plated capacity (10.8 Ah cm⁻²). The Zn@CZ//MnO₂ full cells also achieve an excellent retention rate of 88.2% after 1100 cycles. The work brings forward a facile and industry-compatible approach towards dendrite-free and high reversible AZIBs.