Bare Zn Research Articles

Functional cellulose interfacial layer on zinc metal for enhanced reversibility in aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc ion batteries have emerged as promising energy storage devices due to their high safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, the practical implementation of zinc ion batteries faces significant challenges associated with the poor surface stability of Zn metal anode, including dendrite growth, side reactions, and poor cycling stability. Herein, an eco-friendly cellulose layer is applied to the Zn metal anode by a scalable coating method for Zn/electrolyte interfacial engineering. The cellulose coating has multiple functions: physical passivation, reducing the resistive native oxide, enhancing wettability between the Zn metal and electrolyte, and facilitating the insertion and extraction of zinc ions during charge–discharge cycles at both room temperature and low temperature (−10 ℃). The cellulose-coated Zn metal anode (ZCL) also inhibits the formation of zinc dendrites, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits and capacity loss. As a result, the ZCL||ZCL symmetric cell achieved 1000 electrochemical cycles at 2 mA cm−2, which is more than eight times longer compared to that of a bare Zn symmetric cell. The electrochemical performance of the ZCL||MnO2 full cell was also found to be superior to that using the bare Zn anode electrode.

Hydrous Molybdenum Oxide Coating of Zinc Metal Anode via the Facile Electrodeposition Strategy and Its Performance Improvement Mechanisms for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are widely recognized as highly promising energy storage devices because of their inherent characteristics, including superior safety, affordability, eco-friendliness, and various other benefits. However, the significant corrosion of the zinc metal anode, side reactions occurring between the anode and electrolyte, and the formation of zinc dendrites significantly hinder the practical utilization of ZIBs. Herein, we utilized an electrodeposition method to apply a unique hydrous molybdenum oxide (HMoOx) layer onto the surface of the zinc metal anode, aiming to mitigate its corrosion and side reactions during the process of zinc deposition and stripping. In addition, the HMoOx layer not only improved the hydrophilicity of the zinc anode, but also adjusted the migration of Zn2+, thus facilitating the uniform deposition of Zn2+ to reduce dendrite formation. A symmetrical cell with the HMoOx-Zn anode displayed reduced-voltage hysteresis (80 mV at 2.5 mA/cm2) and outstanding cycle stability after 3000 cycles, surpassing the performance of the uncoated Zn anode. Moreover, the HMoOx-Zn anode coupled with a γ-MnO2 cathode created a considerably more stable rechargeable full battery compared to the bare Zn anode. The HMoOx-Zn||γ-MnO2 full cell also displayed excellent cycling stability with a charge/discharge-specific capacity of 129/133 mAh g-1 after 300 cycles. In summary, this research offers a straightforward and advantageous approach that can significantly contribute to the future advancements in rechargeable ZIBs.

Zincophilic and low-active metallic particles-induced alloying/dealloying behavior for high-performance aqueous zinc metal batteries

Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) represent one of the most promising next-generation energy storage devices in terms of competitiveness. However, the commercialization of AZMBs has been significantly impeded by the occurrence of random dendrite growth and inevitable parasitic reactions on Zn metal anodes. In order to address this issue, we propose a solution wherein the surface of Zn foil is retouched through a replacement reaction with zincophilic and low-active Cu particles (designated as CuRZn). The CuRZn electrode exhibits exceptional corrosion resistance and enables stable Zn plating/stripping via alloying/dealloying processes. Consequently, the CuRZn||CuRZn symmetric battery exhibits stable operation for over 3200 h under 1 or 5 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2, and the CuRZn||Cu asymmetric battery achieves an excellent coulombic efficiency of 99.86 % under 2 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2 for over 2300 cycles. When coupled to an ammonium vanadate (NVO) cathode, the performance of the CuRZn||NVO full battery, which has a larger capacity (183.4 mA h g−1) than that of the bare Zn||NVO full battery (94.8 mA h g−1) at 2 A g−1, greatly improves after 1000 cycles. This study provides a simple and efficient surface retouching strategy for Zn metal anodes to achieve high-performance AZMBs.

Pre-Corrosion of Zinc Metal Anodes for Enhanced Stability and Kinetics.

Non-uniform zinc plating/stripping in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) often leads to dendrites formation and low Coulombic efficiency (CE), limiting their large-scale application. In this study, a pre-corroded Zn (PC-Zn) anode with 3D ridge-like structure is constructed by a facile solution etching in sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) solution. The surface preparation process can significantly remove impurities from the passivation layer of bare Zn anode, thus exposing a great quantity of active sites for easy plating/stripping. Moreover, the pre-corroded structure enables a uniform-distributed electric field to promote the 3D Zn2+ diffusion process and accelerate the transfer kinetics, thereby suppressing the zinc dendrites and interfacial side reactions. Consequently, symmetric cells with PC-Zn electrodes demonstrate remarkable stability, maintaining cycles for over 3200h under 1mA cm-2. The PC-Zn/VO2 full cell maintains a specific capacity of 361 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, and a capacity retention rate of ≈80% over 1000 cycles at 4 A g-1. Notably, no obvious dendrites and side reactions are detected after extended cycling. Leveraging the cost-effectiveness, environmentally friendly nature, and easy fabrication of the PC-Zn electrode, this Zn protection strategy holds promise for advancing the industrial application of ZIBs.

In Situ Self-Reconfiguration Induced Multifunctional Triple-Gradient Artificial Interfacial Layer toward Long-Life Zn-Metal Anodes.

Aqueous Zn-ion batteriesfeaturing with intrinsic safety and low cost are highly desirable for large-scale energy storage, but the unstable Zn-metal anode resulting from uncontrollable dendrite growth and grievous hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) shortens their cycle life. Herein, a feasible in situ self-reconfiguration strategy is developed to generate triple-gradient poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PDDA-TFSI)-Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O-Sn (PT-ZHC-Sn) artificial layer. The resulting triple-gradient interface consists of the spherical top layer PT with cation confinement and H2O inhibition, the dense intermediate layer ZHC nanosheet with Zn2+ conduction and electron shielding, and the bottom layer Znophilic Sn metal. The well-designed triple-gradient artificial interfacial layer synergistically facilitates rapid Zn2+ diffusion to regulate uniform Zn deposition and accelerates the desolvation process while suppressing HER. Consequently, the PT-ZHC-Sn@Zn symmetric cell achieves an ultralong lifespan over 6500h at 0.5mAcm-2 for 0.5mAhcm-2. Furthermore, a full battery coupling with MnO2 cathode exhibits a 17.2% increase in capacity retention compared with bare Zn anode after 1000 cycles. The in situ self-reconfiguration strategy is also applied to prepare triple-gradient PT-ZHC-In, and the assembled Zn//Cu cell operates steadily for over 8400h while maintaining Coulombic efficiency of 99.6%. This work paves the way to designing multicomponent gradient interface for stable Zn-metal anodes.

A Protective Layer of UIO-66/Reduced Graphene Oxide to Stabilize Zinc-Metal Anodes toward High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries with a Zn anode hold great promise as promising candidates for advanced energy storage systems. The construction of protective layer coatings on Zn anode is an effective way to suppress the growth of Zn dendrites and water-induced side reactions. Herein, we reported a series of UIO-66 materials with different concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (rG) coated onto the surface of Zn foil (Zn@UIO-66/rGx; x = 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2). Benefiting from the synergistic effect of UIO-66 and rG, symmetric cells with Zn@UIO-66/rGx (x = 0.1) electrodes exhibit excellent reversibility (e.g., long cycling life over 1100 h at 1 mA cm-2/1 mAh cm-2) and superior rate capability (e.g., over 1100 and 400 h at 5 mA cm-2/2.5 mAh cm-2 and 10 mA cm-2/5 mAh cm-2, respectively). When the Zn@UIO-66/rG0.1 anode was paired with the NaV3O8·1.5H2O (NVO) cathode, the Zn@UIO-66/rG0.1||NVO cell also delivered a high reversible capacity of 189.9 mAh g-1 with an initial capacity retention of 61.3% after 500 cycles at 1 A g-1, compared to the bare Zn||NVO cell with only 92 cycles.

Imide-pillared covalent organic framework protective films as stable zinc ion-conducting interphases for dendrite-free Zn metal anodes

The notorious growth of zinc dendrite and the water-induced corrosion of zinc metal anodes (ZMAs) restrict the practical development of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). In this work, a zinc metallized, imide-pillared covalent organic framework (ZPC) protective film has been engineered as a stable Zn2+ ion-conducting interphase to modulate interfacial kinetics and suppress side reactions for ZMAs. Compared to bare Zn, ZPC@Zn exhibits a higher Zn2+ ionic conductivity, a larger Zn2+ transference number, a lower electronic conductivity, a smaller desolvation activation energy and correspondingly a significant suppression of corrosion, hydrogen evolution and Zn dendrites. Impressively, the ZPC@Zn||ZPC@Zn symmetric cell obtains a cycling lifespan over 3000 h under 5 mA cm−2 for 1 mA h cm−2. The ZPC@Zn||NH4V4O10 coin-type full battery delivers a specific capacity of 195.8 mA h g−1 with a retention rate of 78.5% at 2 A g−1 after 1100 cycles, and the ZPC@Zn||NH4V4O10 pouch full cell shows a retention of 70.1% in reversible capacity at 3 A g−1 after 1100 cycles. The present incorporation of imide-linked covalent organic frameworks in the surface modification of ZMAs will offer fresh perspectives in the search for ideal protective films for the practicality of AZIBs.

In situ constructing a porous organic component-zincophilic Cu clusters layer on zinc anode for high performance aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) with Zn metal anodes stand out as a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage systems, owing to their high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the commercialization of AZIBs is plagued by issues such as Zn dendrite growth and side reactions. Herein, an organic component-Cu metal composite layer is constructed on Zn anode (Org-Cu@Zn) by a novel, one-step and in situ spontaneous displacement reaction. The outer porous organic layer with functional groups may serve as migration sites and transport channels for Zn2+ ions, promoting transfer kinetics. The inner zincophilic Cu clusters layer diminishes the interfacial resistance, facilitating Zn2+ ions diffusion and even Zn deposition. Compared to the bare Zn, the unique dual-layer structure exhibits stronger zincophilicity, smaller interface resistance, lower nucleation energy barrier, and stronger anti-corrosion capability, thus effectively suppressing the Zn dendrite growth and side reactions. Remarkably, the Org-Cu@Zn electrode shows an ultra-long lifespan of 3600 h (1800 cycles) with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7 %, realizes long cycling stability over 4300 h (1 mA cm−2) and 1350 h (5 mA cm−2), and assures the stable operation of Org-Cu@Zn||ZVO full cells with coin-type configurations.

Waste peanut shell derived porous carbon for dendrites-free aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Zinc metal has gained much attention due to its low redox potential, high theoretical capacity and high safety. However, its stability and service life are greatly affected by side reactions such as dendrites and corrosion. Here we propose a coating material derived from peanut erythrocyte biomass waste, which enables more uniform deposition of zinc ions on the surface of zinc foil, further reduces the charge transfer resistance and improves corrosion resistance, and extends the symmetric battery life to more than 650 h of cycling stability at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. In addition, the Zn-MnO2 full cell protected by the assembled coating material still possessed a capacity retention rate of 56.7 % much higher than that of the bare Zn cell (43.4 %) after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A/g. This work provides a broader application strategy for zinc anode protection of zinc-ion batteries by utilizing low-cost peanut red skin waste.

Towards low-temperature dendrite-free zinc anode by constructing functional MXene buffer layer with duplex zincophilic sites

Dendrite growth and side reactions of zinc metal anode have severely limited the practical application of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, we introduce an artificial buffer layer composed of functional MXene (Ti3CN) for zinc anodes. The synthesized Ti3CN exhibits superior conductivity and features duplex zincophilic sites (N and F). These characteristics facilitate the homogeneous deposition of Zn2+, accelerate the desolvation process of hydrated Zn2+, and reduce the nucleation overpotential. The Ti3CN-protected Zn anode demonstrates significantly enhanced reversibility compared to bare Zn anode during long-term cycling, achieving a cumulative plating capacity of 10,000 mAh cm−2 at 10 mA cm−2. In Ti3CN-Zn||Cu asymmetric cell, it maintains nearly 100 % Coulombic efficiency over 2500 cycles at 2 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the assembled Ti3CN-Zn//δ-K0.51V2O5 (KVO) full cell exhibit a low capacity decay rate of 0.002 % per cycle at 5 A/g. Even at 0 °C, the Ti3CN-Zn symmetric cell maintains steady cycling for 2000 h. This study introduces a novel approach for designing artificial solid electrolyte interlayers for commercial AZIBs.

A porphyrin-functionalized conjugated microporous polymer coating for stable dendritic-free aqueous zinc ion batteries

In this paper, a multifunctional porphyrin-functionalized conjugated microporous polymer (ZnTAPP-TFTA) coating was prepared to achieve a stable dendritic-free Zn anode. The chemical structure of ZnTAPP-TFTA is rich in F and N elements. Through the interaction with Zn2+ ions, the transfer kinetics of Zn2+ ion are improved, the two-dimensional diffusion of Zn2+ ion is limited, and the rapid desolvation of hydrated Zn2+ ion is promoted, which not only inhibits the generation of hydrogen evolution reaction and inert by-products, but also induces uniform Zn deposition. Therefore, the ZnTAPP-TFTA@Zn symmetric cell exhibits a stable cycle life of 1100 h in comparison to the bare Zn symmetric cell. In addition, the ZnTAPP-TFTA@Zn//Cu asymmetric cell can maintain a coulombic efficiency of 98.7 % after cycling for 800 h. What’s more, the full battery assembled with NH4V4O10 cathode has higher specific capacity and excellent cycle stability. The strategy of realizing dendritic-free Zn anode by constructing functionalized CMPs points out a new way for the study of stable AZIBs.

Dendrite-free and highly stable Zn metal anode with ZIF-8 ions-transport layer

As a promising anode for rechargeable aqueous batteries for grid energy storage, zinc metal has received considerable attention. However, its practical use is severely hampered by uncontrollable dendrite growth and surface parasitic reactions. In this paper, zeolite imidazole salt framework-8 (ZIF-8) interphase with open metal sites (OMSs) was constructed on the Zn anode as a highly zinc-friendly medium and ion-screening agent to synergistically induce rapid and uniform Zn nucleation/deposition. In addition, the interfacial shielding of the interphase significantly inhibited surface corrosion and hydrogen evolution. As a result, the ultra-stable zinc plating/stripping process significantly boosts cycle life by 1350 hours compared to bare Zn at 1 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2, achieving a cumulative plating capacity of 0.75 Ah cm−2. Moreover, the modified Zn anode ensures exceptional stability and cycling performance for the MnO2-based full cell, maintaining a capacity of 166.2 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1, with a capacity retention rate of 73.2%.

Using Silica Aerogel Layers for the Stabilization of Zn Metal Anodes in Zn‐Ion Batteries

AbstractAqueous zinc ion batteries have the advantages of low cost, high safety, high theoretical specific capacity. However, the charging and discharging process is usually accompanied by side reactions such as dendrite growth, hydrogenolysis, corrosion of electrodes, passivation, etc., which limits the development and application. In this work, the zinc anode is modified by constructing a silica aerogel layer with ultra‐high specific surface area and abundant polar functional groups (−OH, −COOH, −CH3), which not only provides abundant active sites for the uniform deposition of zinc ions, but also construct an artificial protective layer that acting as a desolvation layer and a zinc ion flux regulator. Consequently, the altered zinc anode exhibits an extremely durable zincophilic characteristic and a declining interfacial impedance. The constructed artificial layer can prevent side reactions and promote uniform zinc ion deposition to prevent the generation of zinc dendrites during the charge/discharge process. Results show that the symmetric cells composed of modified Zn anodes can be stably cycled for more than 1100 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mAh cm−2, which is much higher than that of bare Zn. In addition, the life and capacity retention of the Zn/MnO2 full cells were also significantly improved.

Stable Zinc Anode Facilitated by Regenerated Silk Fibroin-modified Hydrogel Protective Layer.

Inherent dendrite growth and side reactions of zinc anode caused by its unstable interface in aqueous electrolytes severely limit the practical applications of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). To overcome these challenges, a protective layer for Zn anode inspired by cytomembrane structure is developed with PVA as framework and silk fibroin gel suspension (SFs) as modifier. This PVA/SFs gel-like layer exerts similar to the solid electrolyte interphase, optimizing the anode-electrolyte interface and Zn2+ solvation structure. Through interface improvement, controlled Zn2+ migration/diffusion, and desolvation, this buffer layer effectively inhibits dendrite growth and side reactions. The additional SFs provide functional improvement and better interaction with PVA by abundant functional groups, achieving a robust and durable Zn anode with high reversibility. Thus, the PVA/SFs@Zn symmetric cell exhibits an ultra-long lifespan of 3150 h compared to bare Zn (182 h) at 1.0 mAh cm-2-1.0 mAh cm-2, and excellent reversibility with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.04% under a large plating capacity for 800 cycles. Moreover, the PVA/SFs@Zn||PANI/CC full cells maintain over 20 000 cycles with over 80% capacity retention under harsh conditions at 5 and 10 A g-1. This SF-modified protective layer for Zn anode suggests a promising strategy for reliable and high-performance ZIBs.

Engineering an Artificial Coating Layer of Metal Porphyrin‐Based Porous Organic Polymers Toward High Stable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) possess high theoretical capacity and good safety, making them highly hopeful for large‐scale energy storage applications. Nevertheless, the uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites on anode significantly reduces the cycle life of AZIBs. In this study, a series of porphyrin‐based porous organic polymers (CuTAPP‐NTCDA‐POP and ZnTAPP‐NTCDA‐POP) are synthesized using aminophenylporphyrin (TAPP) and aromatic dianhydride, which are served as porous protective coating layers for Zn anode. The coating effectively prevents the formation of Zn dendrites and guides the deposition of Zn2+ because of the abundance of zincophilic sites. As expected, the symmetric cells equipped with the optimum ZnTAPP‐NTCDA‐POP@Zn anode demonstrate a longer cycle life of over 1200 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 compared to bare Zn (64 h). Moreover, when the ammonium vanadate (NHVO) cathode is coupled with ZnTAPP‐NTCDA‐POP@Zn anode, the resulting full cell displays superior cycle stability that sustains over 350 cycles with a higher invertible capacity (225 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1). This performance surpasses that of a full cell equipped with just a bare Zn anode. This work proposes a viable strategy to address Zn dendrites, presenting a promising horizon for the widespread application of AZIBs.

Backside Coating for Stable Zn Anode with High Utilization Rate.

Stable Zn anodes with high utilization rate are urgently required to promote the specific and volumetric energy densities of Zn-ion batteries for practical applications. Herein, contrary to the widely utilized surface coating on Zn anodes, this work shows that a zinc foil with a backside coated layer delivers much enhanced cycling stability even under high depth of discharge. The backside coating significantly reduces stress concentration, accelerates heat diffusion, and facilitates electron transfer, thus effectively preventing dendrite growth and structural damage at high Zn utilization. As a result, the developed anode can be stably cycled for 334h at 85.5%Zn utilization, which outperforms bare Zn and previously reported results on surface-coated Zn foils. An NVO-based full cell also shows stable performance with high Zn utilization rate(69.4%), low negative-positive electrodes ratio (1.44), and high specific/volumetric energy densities (155.8Wh kg-1/178Wh L-1), which accelerates the progress toward practical zinc-ion batteries.

Hybrid Interface Chemistry Enabling Mixed Conducting via Ultrafast Microwave Polarization Toward Dendrite-Free Zn Anodes.

Zn metal anodes in aqueous electrolytes suffer from interface issues including uncontrolled dendrite growth and undesired side reactions, resulting in their limited application in terms of short circuits and cell failure. Herein, a hybrid interface chemistry strategy is developed through ultrafast microwave polarization at the skin region of bare Zn. Owing to efficient Joule heating directed by abundant local hot spots at electron valleys, the rapid establishment of a dense interfacial layer can be realized within a minute. Stabilized Zn with suppressed side reactions or surface corrosion is therefore achieved due to the interfacial protection. Importantly, hybrid zincophilic sites involving laterally/vertically interconnected Cu-Zn intermetallic compound and Zn2+-conductive oxide species ensure mixed charge conducting (denoted as CuHL@Zn), featuring uniformly distributed electric field and boosted Zn2+ diffusion kinetics. As a consequence, CuHL@Zn in symmetric cells affords lifespans of 2800 and 3200h with ultra-low polarization voltages (≈19 and 56mV) at a plating capacity of 1.0mAhcm-2 for 1 and 5mAcm-2, respectively. The CuHL@Zn||MnO2 full cell further exhibits cycling stability with a capacity retention of over 80% for 500 cycles at 2Ag-1.

Achieving an ion-homogenizing and corrosion-resisting interface through nitro-coordination chemistry for stable zinc metal anodes

Suppression of uncontrollable dendrite growth and water-induced side reactions of Zn metal anodes is crucial for achieving long-lasting cycling stability and facilitating the practical implementations of aqueous Zn-metal batteries. To address these challenges, we report in this study a functional nitro-cellulose interfacial layer (NCIL) on the surface of Zn anodes enlightened by a nitro-coordination chemistry strategy. The NCIL exhibits strong zincophilicity and superior coordination capability with Zn2+ due to the highly electronegative and highly nucleophilic nature of the nitro functional group. This characteristic facilitates a rapid Zn-ion desolvation process and homogeneous Zn plating, effectively preventing H2 evolution and dendrite formation. Additionally, the negatively charged surface of NCIL acts as a shield, repelling SO42− anions and inhibiting corrosive reactions on the Zn surface. Remarkably, reversible and stable Zn plating/stripping is achieved for over 5100 h at a current density of 1 mA cm−2, which is nearly 30 times longer than that of bare Zn anodes. Furthermore, the Zn//V2O5 full cells with the functional interface layer deliver a high-capacity retention of 80.3% for over 10,000 cycles at 5 A g−1. This research offers valuable insights for the rational development of advanced protective interface layers in order to achieve ultra-long-life Zn metal batteries.

Enabling Stable Zn Anode with PVDF/CNTs Nanocomposites Protective Layer Toward High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

AbstractDue to its abundance of natural resources, high theoretical capacity, and suitable redox potential (−0.76 V vs SHE), Zn anode has received extensive attention both from academy and industry. However, the coexistence of Zn and H2O, which is unfortunately thermodynamically unstable, always involves severe metal corrosion, H2 evolution, dendrite growth, resulting in low reversibility of Zn anode. Herein, a phase transfer method is adapted to design a porous conductive protective layer on the Zn anode, denoted as (PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride)/CNTs(Carbon Nanotubes)‐PT(phase transfer) @ Zn). Based on in situ characterization, COMSOL simulation, and migration energy barrier calculation, it can be demonstrated that PVDF/CNTs‐PT @ Zn effectively inhibited the production of Zn dendrites and the side reactions triggered by H2O, achieving uniform deposition. Especially, the full picture of Zn deposition is observed using in situ computed tomography (CT). The symmetrical cell using the PVDF/CNTs‐PT @ Zn demonstrates dendrite‐free plating/stripping and possesses much better cycle stability than the bare Zn. A stable rechargeable full battery is demoed through coupling the PVDF/CNTs‐PT @ Zn anode with commercial V2O5. The strategy showcases a feasible pathway to inhibit Zn dendrite and side reactions in aqueous Zn ion battery, opening a promising avenue for the construction of metal anode protection layer.

Bifunctional interface of metal–organic framework synergized with bismuth endows high stable zinc anode

Zn-based aqueous batteries (ZnABs) are attractive in large-scale energy storage. However, the issues of hydrogen evolution and dendrite formation in zinc anode are the key challenges for this technology. Here, we demonstrate the metal bismuth encapsulated within a metal–organic framework (Bi@ZIF-8) as an artificial interface to protect the Zn anode. Revealed by electrochemical measurements and the in-situ optical images, the Bi@ZIF-8 interface makes for uniform deposition and simultaneously contributes to anti-corrosion in Zn anode. Hence, the symmetric Bi@ZIF-8 coated Zn foil (Bi@ZIF-8|Zn) cell exhibits the lowest polarization compared to ZIF-8|Zn and bare Zn, and achieves 420 h of operation at 7.5 mA cm−2. As a proof of concept, the elaborate alkaline Zn-Ni full cell based on Bi@ZIF-8|Zn anode shows excellent kinetic performance, a high coulombic efficiency of 98 %, and a long lifespan of 2500 cycles. Moreover, this Bi@ZIF-8 was used as a practical Zn electrode interface modifier, which endows a 2 Ah pouch cell with a high energy density of 130 Wh kg−1 and 420 Wh L–1. This research provides a novel thought for realizing long-life ZnABs via the artificial interface protection of the Zn anode.