MOF polycrystalline membrane on zinc metal anode through liquid-phase epitaxial growth

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have faced persistent challenges related to dendrite growth and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, a metal-organic framework (MOF) polycrystalline membrane is introduced into the realm of ZIB research, motivated by the remarkable separation capabilities exhibited by MOF membranes. A MOF polycrystalline membrane is constructed on the Zn anode through liquid-phase epitaxial growth at room temperature. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM) analysis unequivocally verifies the ingress of Zn2+ into the MOF cavities, subsequently leading to the reconstitution of the solvation sheath. Profiting from the close contact between the membrane and the Zn anode, the Zn2+ are reduced to Zn0 directly in the cavities of the MOF after entering. This behavior effectively regulates the deposition trajectory of Zn2+ and eliminates the potential for secondary solvation. Leveraging the efficient separation and ion-confinement capabilities of the MOF, the Zn anode incorporating the metal-azolate framework-4 (MAF-4) membrane demonstrates notable inhibition of the HER and suppression of dendrite formation.