Design of Inorganic–Organic Hydrophobic Coating on Zn Anode Realizes Highly Reversible and Dendrite‐Free Zn‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

The zinc‐ion battery (ZIB) has attracted wide attention due to its environmental protection, abundant reserves, and desirable theoretical capacity. However, the application of ZIBs is limited by the dendrite growth and side reactions on the Zn anode. Herein, a boron microparticles and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite modified layer (B‐PVDF) is constructed on the surface of a Zn anode, and a Zn anode with hydrophobic coating is obtained (B‐PVDF@Zn). The hydrophobic PVDF modified layer prevents the direct contact between H2O molecules and Zn anode, while boron microparticles guide the flux of Zn2+; thus, dendrite growth and side reactions are concurrently inhibited. And B‐PVDF@Zn//B‐PVDF@Zn symmetric battery maintains a stable overpotential (<45 mV) after 1050 h at a current density of 1 mA cm−2with a planting capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. The capacity retention rate of B‐PVDF@Zn//V2O5is 62.1% after 400 cycles, which shows improved cycle stability. The research proves the feasibility of the hydrophobic modified layer for the stable Zn anode; it supplies a new research idea for the diversity of Zn anode surface design.