Stabling Zinc Metal Anode with Polydopamine Regulation through Dual Effects of Fast Desolvation and Ion Confinement

Abstract Metal zinc is recognized as a promising anode candidate for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs), however, dendrites and byproducts formation severe deteriorate its reversibility and practical lifespan. Herein, a polydopamine (PDA) layer, which offers the dual effects of fast desolvation and ion confinement, is constructed on the surface of a Zn anode for efficient AZIBs. The abundant polar functional groups in PDA significantly enhance interfacial contact in aqueous media, which reduces the number of water molecules reaching the zinc surface through fast desolvation, thus lowering the energy barrier for Zn 2+ migration. Furthermore, the porous PDA coating controls the ion flux via the ion‐confinement…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 51872090, 51772097
• NR
  National Research Foundation of Korea

  Award: NRF‐2019R1A2C2090443
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province

  Award: E2020209151