Phytic acid conversion film interfacial engineering for stabilizing zinc metal anode

[Display omitted] •A dense phytic acid conversion film engineered Zn metal anode was constructed.•The film endowed Zn anode with excellent anticorrosion property.•The film can efficiently regulate the Zn ions deposition behavior.•The Zn@PA symmetrical cell exhibited a long-cycle lifespan of 3900 h at 1 mA cm−2.•The Zn@PA/MnO2 cell delivered a specific capacity of 110.6 mAh g−1 after 30,000 cycles at 5 A g−1. Due to the high safety and low cost, aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted more and more attention and are expected to become the next generation energy storage system. However, the cycle lifespan of ZIBs is limited due to the issues of zinc (Zn) dendrites and side reactions, which seriously hinders their further development. Herein, a simple interfacial engineering strategy was designed in which a layer of dense phytic acid (PA) conversion film was constructed on the surface of Zn metal (Zn@PA). The film can inhibit the direct contact between Zn metal and electrolyte, reducing side reactions. Moreover, it can effectively regulate the Zn ions deposition behavior to realize the compact Zn deposition owing to its strong adsorption and extremely low barrier migration of Zn ions, thus significantly extending the cycle lifespan of Zn anode. As proof, the assembled Zn@PA symmetrical cell exhibited a long-cycle lifespan of 3900 h at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. In addition, the Zn@PA-MnO2 full cell showed no capacity decay during 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1. Most importantly, it can retain a high discharge specific capacity of 110.6 mAh g−1 after 30,000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g−1. The remarkable effects of the strategy show its application prospect in high-rate and long-life ZIBs.