Proton-selective coating enables fast-kinetics high-mass-loading cathodes for sustainable zinc batteries

The pressing demand for sustainable energy storage solutions has spurred the burgeoning development of aqueous zinc batteries. However, kinetics-sluggish Zn²⁺ as the dominant charge carriers in cathodes leads to suboptimal charge-storage capacity and durability of aqueous zinc batteries. Here, we discover that an ultrathin two-dimensional polyimine membrane, featured by dual ion-transport nanochannels and rich proton-conduction groups, facilitates rapid and selective proton passing. Subsequently, a distinctive electrochemistry transition shifting from sluggish Zn²⁺-dominated to fast-kinetics H⁺-dominated Faradic reactions is achieved for high-mass-loading cathodes by using the polyimine membrane as an interfacial coating. Notably, the NaV₃O₈·1.5H₂O cathode (10 mg cm^-2) with this interfacial coating exhibits an ultrahigh areal capacity of 4.5 mAh cm^-2 and a state-of-the-art energy density of 33.8 Wh m^-2, along with apparently enhanced cycling stability. Additionally, we showcase the applicability of the interfacial proton-selective coating to different cathodes and aqueous electrolytes, validating its universality for developing reliable aqueous batteries.