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Vertically Aligned Metal-Organic Framework Arrays as Protective Layers for Durable Zinc Anodes with Low
Zhonglin Li1,2, Guili Zhao2, Xiang Chu2
1School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Research Institute of Interdisciplinary Science, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, P.R. China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as protective layers for zinc anodes in rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). These binder-free MOFs significantly improve battery stability and lifespan by preventing dendrite growth and enhancing ion transport.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) offer safe and cost-effective large-scale energy storage.
- Zn anode instability, including side reactions and dendrite growth, hinders ZIB practical application.
- Existing protective layers often impede crucial Zn2+ transport and deposition/dissolution kinetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a binder-free protective layer for Zn anodes in ZIBs using a ligand-induced morphological regulation strategy.
- To investigate the impact of different MOF morphologies on Zn anode performance.
- To enhance the stability and cycle life of aqueous ZIBs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of binder-free MOF protective layers on Zn anodes via electrodeposition.
- Creation of vertically aligned MOF arrays (VAA-ZnTMA@Zn), shaggy horizontal nanosheets (SHN-ZnMI@Zn), and compact nanoparticles (CNP-ZnTPA@Zn).
- Electrochemical characterization, theoretical calculations, and finite element simulations to analyze performance and mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The VAA-ZnTMA@Zn electrode demonstrated an ultralow overpotential (20 mV) and extended cycle life (2400 h).
- A full cell (VAA-ZnTMA@Zn//MnO2@CC) achieved high average Coulombic efficiency (99.6%) and 82% capacity retention after 2000 cycles.
- Vertically aligned MOF channels facilitated uniform Zn2+ transport and deposition, suppressing dendrite formation.
Conclusions:
- Ligand-induced morphological regulation provides an effective strategy for fabricating advanced MOF protective layers for Zn anodes.
- The VAA-ZnTMA@Zn anode significantly enhances the durability and performance of aqueous ZIBs.
- This approach offers a promising route toward practical and long-lasting aqueous ZIBs.
