| Abstract Scope |
Aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries are very attractive owing to the high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g−1), meritable electrode potential (−0.76 V vs. SHE), low cost, and environmental friendliness of Zn metal anodes. However, the dendrite formation, corrosion, and water decomposition on Zn metal anodes should be resolved for their practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate conformally coated multifunctional organic/inorganic hybrid artificial layers for the reversible and stable Zn deposition. These hybrid layers were synthesized through polyoxometalate (POM) initiated polymerization into poly(1,3-Dioxolane) (Poly(DOL) and directly coated onto the Zn surface. Moreover, POM acted as chemical bridge connecting Poly(DOL) with Zn metal anode to construct mechanically robust layers with a thickness of approximately 40 nm. The fast and selective Zn2+ ion transport of multifunctional POMDOL layers and their preferential growth into (002) crystalline plane was attributed to the reversible Zn deposition. Accordingly, POMDOL coated Zn (PDOLZn) anodes achieved an extended cycling period up to 2,876 hours with a cumulative capacity of 29 Ah g−1 at 20 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Moreover, DOD of 40% was achieved. Consequently, the PDOLZn || β-MnO2 full cells delivered the high specific capacity of 245 mAh g−1 and long-term stability over 1,000 cycles. |