Ultrathin Reed Membranes: Nature's Intimate Ion‐Regulation Skins Safeguarding Zinc Metal Anodes in Aqueous Batteries

Abstract

AbstractThe practical realization of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries relies crucially on effective interphases governing Zn electrodeposition chemistry. In this study, an innovative solution by introducing an ultrathin (≈2 µm) biomass membrane as an intimate artificial interface, functioning as nature's ion‐regulation skin to protect zinc metal anodes is proposed. Capitalizing on the inherent properties of natural reed membrane, including multiscale ion transport tunnels, abundant ─OH groups, and remarkable mechanical integrity, the reed membrane demonstrates efficacy in regulating uniform and rapid Zn2+ transport, promoting desolvation, and governing Zn (002) plane electrodeposition. Importantly, a unique in situ electrochemical Zn─O bond formation mechanism between the reed membrane and Zn electrode upon cycling is elucidated, resulting in a robustly adhered interface covering on the zinc anode surface, ultimately ensuring remarkable dendrite‐free and highly reversible Zn anodes. Consequently, the approach achieves a prolonged cycle life for over 1450 h at 3 mA cm−2/1.5 mAh cm−2 in symmetric Zn//Zn cells. Moreover, exceptional cyclic performance (88.95%, 4000 cycles) is obtained in active carbon‐based cells with an active mass loading of 5.8 mg cm−2. The approach offers a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly strategy for achieving stable and reversible zinc anodes for aqueous batteries.