Highly stable planted MXene auxiliary layer for high-performance zinc anode deposition regulation

• Stable MXene protective layer is planted on the surface of the zinc anode through a high-speed rotating wire brush. • The planted MXene layer brings a unique uniform electric field effect. • Zinc anode protected by planting MXene layer has better nucleation ability. • A high proportion of (0 0 2) crystal planes also inhibits dendrite formation. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have good application prospects in large-scale energy storage, but severe dendrite behavior hinders their development. This article reports a method of planting MXene on the surface of zinc foil, that is, while mechanically polishing with a high-speed rotating wire brush, MXene solution is added dropwise, and MXene is anchored on the surface of the zinc foil with the help of a certain pressure. The MXene layer under this preparation method is stronger than the traditional self-assembled MXene layer. The MXene layer therefore acts as a physical barrier, protecting the underlying active zinc from damage. At the same time, the good hydrophilicity of the planted MXene layer reduces the concentration gradient of the interfacial electrolyte and redistributes the zinc ion flux. The unique electric field effect of MXene reduces the desolvation energy barrier, improves the transfer kinetics of Zn ions, and promotes the deposition of zinc ions in the (0 0 2) crystal plane. Experimental results show that the symmetrical battery prepared by this method can cycle stably for more than 1000 h at 0.8 mA cm −2 , while its Zn\\Cu asymmetric battery exhibits cycle stability of more than 700 times at 0.5 mA cm −2 . While maintaining a high Coulombic efficiency of over 99 %. Full cells assembled from zinc foil anodes and VO 2 cathodes protected by a planted MXene layer also demonstrate higher capacity advantages. Therefore, this more stable MXene layer provides a direction for the practical application of zinc metal anodes.