An in situ reduction strategy toward dendrite-free Zn anodes

Combining three-dimensional (3D) current collectors and zincophilic species is considered an efficient way to construct highly stable Zn metal anodes. Unfortunately, costly complex preparation processes impede their practical application. Herein, a dendrite-free 3D composite anode (Zn@ACC-600@Cu2+) has been rationally designed by plating on Cu2+-coordinated carbon cloth collector (ACC-600@Cu2+). In particular, during the nucleation process, Cu2+ reduced in situ metallic Cu then forms Cu-Zn alloy with further deposition. Density functional theory calculations experimental observations reveal that interface can not only act as deposition site for ions but also enhance conductivity homogenize electric field Zn2+ flux. Thus, ACC-600@Cu2+ host enables high reversibility of plating/stripping long cycling stability more than 410 h low-voltage hysteresis 15.8 mV. As proof-of-concept demonstration, assembled Zn@ACC-600@Cu2+∥MnO2 full batteries show decent rate capability substantially enhanced specific capacity 110 mA g−1 compared pristine cloth-based cells. This reduction strategy establishes facile method designing anodes advances development durable batteries.