In situ formation of zincophilic–hydrophobic layers using self-assembling additives for stabilizing zinc metal anodes†

Ethylene sulfate (ES) serves as an electrolyte additive that undergoes in situ electrochemical reduction at the zinc surface, generating C₂H₅–SO₃–OH. This reduction product spontaneously self-assembles into a zincophilic–hydrophobic interfacial layer, which guides uniform Zn deposition, suppresses dendritic growth, and inhibits hydrogen evolution and corrosion.