Covalent organic framework film protected zinc anode for highly stable rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Although aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have demonstrated great potential for large-scale energy storage, dendrite growth in the Zn metal anode leads to poor electrochemical stability and unsatisfactory cycling life, restricting widespread utilization of ZIBs. Herein, a zincophilic covalent organic framework (COF; TpPa-SO3H) film is fabricated via interfacial reaction to stabilize the Zn anode (TpPa-SO3H@Zn-foil). The sulfonic acid groups on the TpPa-SO3H film coordinate with Zn2+ ions and regulate the uniform deposition of Zn2+ ions to inhibit the dendrite formation. Additionally, the TpPa-SO3H can release abundant protons (H (+)) and achieve a dynamic equilibrium with OH -, thereby adjusting the desolvation of [Zn(H2O)(6)](2+) to prevent secondary reactions. This work demonstrates that COF film-coated Zn anodes are a family of promising electrode candidates and provides inspiration to other fields of batteries, such as the material design for separator and electrolyte.

Automated summary

In this study, a zincophilic covalent organic framework film was used to stabilize the zinc anode and inhibit dendrite growth, leading to improved electrochemical stability and cycling life. This work provides inspiration for material design in other battery fields, such as separator and electrolyte.