Fluoride-Based Stable Quasi-Solid-State Zinc Metal Battery with Superior Rate Capability

Aqueous zinc metal batteries are limited in practical applications due to their short lifespans. Herein, a LaF₃-coated Zn anode (LF@Zn) is investigated to induce the uniform Zn deposition and successfully build a separator-free quasi-solid-state zinc metal battery. The LF@Zn enables smooth and dendrite-free Zn deposition, owing to the homogeneous Zn²⁺ flux regulated by the LaF₃-based quasi-solid-state electrolyte. It can also suppress the corrosion side reactions by modulating the [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺ solvation sheath. The polarization of plating and stripping is relatively modest due to the reduced diffuse energy of desolvated Zn²⁺ in the quasi-solid-state electrolyte. In a separator-free symmetric cell, the LF@Zn anode shows a significantly prolonged lifespan of over 1300 h at 2 mA cm^-2 and a superior rate performance with only 156 mV at an ultrahigh current density of 50 mA cm^-2. A LF@Zn//VO₂ quasi-solid-state full cell exhibits outperforming rate capability and a long cyclic performance for up to 3000 cycles at 6.0 A g^-1. A stable Zn anode is established in this work with a fluoride-based quasi-solid-state electrolyte, opening up a new avenue for protecting metal anodes.