Multifunctional SEI-like structure coating stabilizing Zn anodes at a large current and capacity

The development and application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries still face some obstacles, such as dendrite growth and side reactions triggered by active water. Here, we constructed a PVA@SR-ZnMoO 4 multifunctional coating on the Zn anode with an SEI-like structure (SR refers to SO 4 2− receptor). The PVA@SR outer layer can give the coating some flexibility while enhancing Zn 2+ mobility and dispersion. The ZnMoO 4 inner layer can effectively inhibit dendrite growth and side reactions. Importantly, a fast Zn 2+ migration pathway can be established between PVA and ZnMoO 4 in the inorganic-organic composite inner layer, ensuring high-current operation of the Zn anode. Thanks to the "mutual cooperation", the Zn anode exhibits a high Coulomb efficiency (CE) of 99.42% and good cycling stability of 1700 h at 5 mA cm −2 and 5 mA h cm −2 . Moreover, the Zn/α-MnO 2 full cell can maintain a residual capacity of 141.7 mA h g −1 without capacity decay after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g −1 . The SEI-like structure coating can combine the advantages of each component and give sufficient mechanical stability to the coating. The establishment of fast Zn 2+ migrating pathway supports the cycling of the anode at large current and capacity.