Zincophilic Metal-Organic-Framework Interface Mitigating Dendrite Growth for Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Batteries

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries are the ideal candidate for large-scale energy storage systems owing to their high safety and low cost. However, the uncontrolled deposition and parasitic reaction of Zn metal anode hinder their commercial application. Here, the 2D metal-organic-framework (MOF) nanoflakes covered on the surface of Zn are proposed to enable dendrite-free for long lifespan Zn metal batteries. The MOF can facilitate the desolvation process to accelerate reaction kinetic due to its special channel structure. The abundant zincopilicity sites of MOF can realize the homogenous Zn2+ deposition. Consequently, their synergetic effect makes the MOF protected Zn anode good electrochemical performance with a long cycle life of 1400 h at 1 mA cm-2 and a high depth of discharge of 30 mAh cm-2 (DOD approximate to 54%) continued for over 700 h. This work provides a novel strategy for high-performance rechargeable Zn-ion batteries. A multifunctional metal-organic-framework as an artificial interface on Zn is designed and prepared via a simple stamping process. It can separate water molecules from Zn surface, accelerate de-solvation process, uniform Zn2+ flux, and guide Zn2+ nucleate uniformly. Their synergetic effects inhibit Zn dendrite growth and suppress side reactions at Zn anode/electrolyte interface, boosting its electrochemical performance in batteries.image