Synergistic interface regulation for achieving fast kinetics and highly reversible zinc metal anodes

Uncontrolled zinc dendrite growth and adverse side reactions at the Zn anode interface severely limit its practical application. Based on theoretical calculations, this study in situ constructs a functional interface (ICFI Zn) on the Zn anode surface, consisting of a surface-textured structure and a zinc-philic protective layer. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of ion regulation and atomic anchoring of this functional interface, the ICFI Zn anode achieves homogenised regulation of ion fluxes, facilitates ion transport kinetics, effectively suppresses side reactions and guides the deposition of dendrite-free Zn. Consequently, this functional interface endows the zinc anode with significantly enhanced cycling stability, lower nucleation barriers, and reduced voltage polarization. Surprisingly, the ICFI Zn anode exhibits over 3000 h of stable cycling performance at a high current density of 2 mA cm^-2. Even at high current densities of 5, 10, and 20 mA cm^-2, it still maintains high reversibility. Furthermore, in practical applications with the ICFI Zn||MnO₂ battery, it also demonstrates ultra-long cycling stability. The one-step in situ construction of this functional interface provides a novel strategy for developing zinc metal anodes with rapid kinetics and high reversibility.