Hybrid Coating with High Zn<sup>2+</sup> Selectivity Achieves Stable Zinc Anodes.

Jia, Shunshun; Bian, Haifeng; Zhou, Qing; Xue, Ge; Li, Fengqi; Hu, Zhonglu; Ma, Yujie; Gu, Jian et al. · Nano Lett · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A nano-Zn<sub>2</sub>SnO<sub>4</sub> (ZTO)/cellulose acetate (CA) hybrid coating (CZ) was designed for Zn anodes via a DFT-guided synthesis. DFT calculations revealed ZTO's Zn<sup>2+</sup>-selectivity and low migration barriers, enabling dual ion-sieving and acceleration effects. The C═O groups in CA formed Lewis acid-base pairs with desolvated Zn<sup>2+</sup> and ZTO, synergistically regulating ion flux. The CZ coating combined superior film-forming ability with high Zn affinity, suppressing side reactions while homogenizing Zn<sup>2+</sup> deposition. As a result, CZ-Zn anodes achieved stable cycling for 3000 h at 5 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>. Full cells paired with NH<sub>4</sub>V<sub>4</sub>O<sub>10</sub> cathodes exhibited extended cyclability and enhanced rate performance. This work provides a universal strategy for Zn anode protection through multifunctional hybrid coatings.