Polarity-Matched Organic-Inorganic Interphase Directs Planar Zinc Deposition toward Highly Reversible Zn Anodes.

Lei, Hang; Zhou, Xincheng; Xiao, Tuo; Wang, Yazhou; Zhang, Lu; Yang, Xuelin; Cao, Jin; Yang, Peihua · Nano Lett · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Artificial organic-inorganic interphases offer a promising route to suppress dendrite growth and parasitic reactions in aqueous Zn-ion batteries, yet maintain interfacial integrity and control Zn crystallographic deposition. Here, we develop a polarity-matched Nafion-Zn(Ac)<sub>2</sub> (NFCZn@Zn) interphase that self-assembles on Zn anodes. The acetate-rich Zn(Ac)<sub>2</sub> sublayer provides strong Zn<sup>2+</sup> binding and robust interaction with Nafion, preventing electrolyte-induced delamination. The hybrid interphase promotes planar zinc deposition while mitigating corrosion and byproduct formation. As a result, NFCZn@Zn symmetric cells achieve over 3000 h of stable cycling at 5 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>, withstand harsh conditions of 10 mA cm<sup>-2</sup> and 10 mAh cm<sup>-2</sup>, and deliver high Coulombic efficiency. In full cells paired with VO<sub>2</sub> cathodes, NFCZn@Zn enhances rate performance, reduces self-discharge, and improves long-term capacity retention compared with bare Zn anodes. This work provides a simple and scalable strategy to direct Zn<sup>2+</sup> planar (002) deposition, enabling highly reversible and durable Zn-metal anodes.