A Hydrophobic and Zincophilic Interfacial Nanofilm as a Protective Layer for Stable Zn Anodes
Fengxue Duan, Xiuxiu Yin, Junjie Ba, Junpeng Li, Yue Yu, Chunyu Wang, Yingjin Wei, Yizhan Wang
Abstract
Abstract The Zn metal anode has emerged as a promising contender for aqueous batteries. However, challenges such as H 2 evolution and Zn dendrite formation have hindered the attainment of satisfactory cycling longevity. In this context, a hydrophobic and zincophilic interfacial nanofilm (HZF) is successfully developed and demonstrated as a protective layer for stabilizing Zn anodes. The HZF nanofilm, characterized by its uniformly distributed zincophilic groups, actively participates in the interfacial solvated structure of Zn 2+ ions, thereby modulating the uniform deposition of Zn 2+ flux onto Zn anodes and curtailing the deprotonation of solvated water molecules. Concurrently, the exposed hydrophobic surfactant within the nanofilm effectively acts as a barrier, preventing direct contact between water and the Zn anode. As a result, the Zn anode coated with the HZF nanofilm achieves stable and reversible Zn plating/stripping behavior. This is evidenced by the extended cycling lifespan of over 300 h at a discharge capacity of 10 mAh cm −2 , with a deep discharge of 67% Zn utilization.