Interfacial Reconstruction for Regulating Zn²⁺ Deposition toward Ultrastable Zn Metal Anodes

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are attracting much attention as high-density energy storage systems owing to their fascinating features with low cost, high safety, and simple manufacturing process. However, the commercialization of Zn anodes is hindered by uncontrollable dendrite growth and water-induced side reactions. Herein, a spontaneous reconstruction of a honeycomb-structural hopeite layer (ZPO) on a Zn metal anode (Zn@ZPO) is rationally developed as a functional protection interface by the liquid-phase deposition strategy. The formed ZPO layer not only promotes ion/charge transport and restrains Zn corrosion but also modulates the preferred deposition orientation of the Zn(002) nanosheet for the dendrite-free Zn anode. Accordingly, the Zn@ZPO symmetric cell exhibits satisfactory cycle lifespans of 1500 h at 1 mA·cm^-2/1 mAh·cm^-2 and 1400 h at 5 mA m^-2/1 mAh·cm^-2. When assembled with the (NH₄)₂V₁₀O₂₅·8H₂O (NVO) cathode, the Zn@ZPO||NVO full cell delivers an ultrastable cycling lifespan for 25 000 cycles with a discharge capacity retention of 86.6% at 5 A·g^-1. Therefore, this work will pave a novel avenue for constructing dendrite-free AZIBs.