An Interface-Bridged Organic-Inorganic Layer that Suppresses Dendrite Formation and Side Reactions for Ultra-Long-Life Aqueous Zinc Metal Anodes

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.