An Interface‐Bridged Organic–Inorganic Layer that Suppresses Dendrite Formation and Side Reactions for Ultra‐Long‐Life Aqueous Zinc Metal Anodes
Yan-Hui Cui, Qinghe Zhao, Xiaojun Wu, Xin Chen, Jinlong Yang, Yuetao Wang, Runzhi Qin, Shouxiang Ding, Yongli Song, Junwei Wu, Kai Yang, Zijian Wang, Zongwei Mei, Zhibo Song, Hong Wu, Zhongyi Jiang, Guoyu Qian, Luyi Yang, Feng Pan
Abstract
Abstract Aqueous zinc (Zn) batteries (AZBs) are widely considered as a promising candidate for next‐generation energy storage owing to their excellent safety features. However, the application of a Zn anode is hindered by severe dendrite formation and side reactions. Herein, an interfacial bridged organic–inorganic hybrid protection layer (Nafion‐Zn‐X) is developed by complexing inorganic Zn‐X zeolite nanoparticles with Nafion, which shifts ion transport from channel transport in Nafion to a hopping mechanism in the organic–inorganic interface. This unique organic–inorganic structure is found to effectively suppress dendrite growth and side reactions of the Zn anode. Consequently, the Zn@Nafion‐Zn‐X composite anode delivers high coulombic efficiency (ca. 97 %), deep Zn plating/stripping (10 mAh cm −2 ), and long cycle life (over 10 000 cycles). By tackling the intrinsic chemical/electrochemical issues, the proposed strategy provides a versatile remedy for the limited cycle life of the Zn anode.