Stable dendrite-free Zn electrodeposition triggered by hydrophobic-zincophilic and elastic interface for highly reversible Zn battery anode

[Display omitted] •A hydrophobic-zincophilic and elastic interface was obtained for even Zn deposition.•The prepared interface accelerated ion transfer kinetics and regulated Zn-ion flux.•Zn symmetrical cell exhibited a stable cycling of 2200 h at 1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2. Aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries (ZMBs) are regarded as promising candidates for grid energy storage systems due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, the notorious Zn dendrites induced by the uneven Zn deposition and severe side reactions hinder the widespread application of aqueous ZMBs. Herein, we ingeniously combine inorganic zincophilicity and organic elasticity to report a silver nanoparticle-decorated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a hydrophobic-zincophilic and elastic artificial interface layer (HZE-Zn) to stabilize Zn electrodeposition. The synergistic effect of the elastic hydrophobic PVDF and the in-situ alloyed zincophilic interface constrains the corrosion and achieves homogeneous Zn-ion flux at the electrode interface. Consequently, the modified Zn anode achieves stable Zn deposition with a long lifespan of over 2200 h at a current density of 1.0 mA cm−2 and 1400 h at 2.0 mAh cm−2. When coupled with a MnO2 cathode, the prepared HZE-Zn anode exhibits better full-cell cycling stability than the pristine Zn anode. This interesting concept of building a hydrophobic-zincophilic and elastic artificial interface layer for Zn anodes provides new vitality to develop the practical applications of aqueous ZMBs.