Magnetic field-enabled ultrahigh-rate Zn metal anodes

Aqueous Zn-based flow batteries receive tremendous attention toward future grid-scale energy storage, but the uncontrollable dendrite growth and limited plating current density at the Zn anode severely hinder their application prospects. Herein, we realize non-dendritic Zn growth at an ultrahigh current density of 100 mA/cm2 via the application of an external magnetic field. Through in-situ observation, morphology characterization, and electrochemical performance explorations, we find that the magnetic field can effectively inhibit the savage growth of dendrites. We believe this work can provide new inspiration for high-rate Zn metal anode research and promote the future applications of Zn-based flow batteries. [Display omitted] •Stable Zn deposition at 100 mA/cm2 until a Zn utilization rate of ∼90 % is observed in Sand's time test.•Ultra-large SEM images (>2 mm in width) of non-dendritic Zn deposition at 100 mA/cm2 are shown.•Stable symmetrical Zn cell operation at 100 mA/cm2 for 3000 cycles under a fixed capacity of 1 mAh/cm2 is presented.