Enabling Targeted Zinc Growth via Interface Regulation Toward Binder Free and High Areal Capacity Zinc Metal Anode

Owing to the low redox potential, abundant nature, and widespread availability, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted extensive investigation. Nevertheless, the commercialization of the batteries is severely hindered by negative side reactions, catastrophic dendrite growth, and uneven Zn²⁺ diffusion. Here, 3D self-assembled necklace-like nanofibers are developed by a simple electrospinning technique, in which SiO₂@SiO₂/C nanospheres are sequentially aligned on interconnected nitrogen/carbon networks (SSA/NCF) to achieve binder-free, high-performance, and dendrite-free growth of APLs. The design structure combines excellent interfacial ion transfer, corrosion resistance, and unique planar deposition regulation. The protective layer of SSA/NCF paper exhibits a high affinity for Zn²⁺, thereby reducing the nucleation barrier of Zn²⁺ and ensuring a more homogeneous Zn deposit. More importantly, this multifunctional interfacial layer induces preferential crystalline (101) oriented electroplating growth and promotes oriented dense Zn deposition. Consequently, the SSA/NCF paper layer endowed the cell with remarkable cycling stability, achieving an extended cycle life of 3000 h at 5 mA cm^-2/1.25 mAh cm^-2. This study offers novel insights into the development of high-performance zinc anodes.