In situ constructing a porous organic component-zincophilic Cu clusters layer on zinc anode for high performance aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) with Zn metal anodes stand out as a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage systems, owing to their high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the commercialization of AZIBs is plagued by issues such as Zn dendrite growth and side reactions. Herein, an organic component-Cu metal composite layer is constructed on Zn anode (Org-Cu@Zn) by a novel, one-step and in situ spontaneous displacement reaction. The outer porous organic layer with functional groups may serve as migration sites and transport channels for Zn2+ ions, promoting transfer kinetics. The inner zincophilic Cu clusters layer diminishes the interfacial resistance, facilitating Zn2+ ions diffusion and even Zn deposition. Compared to the bare Zn, the unique dual-layer structure exhibits stronger zincophilicity, smaller interface resistance, lower nucleation energy barrier, and stronger anti-corrosion capability, thus effectively suppressing the Zn dendrite growth and side reactions. Remarkably, the Org-Cu@Zn electrode shows an ultra-long lifespan of 3600 h (1800 cycles) with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7 %, realizes long cycling stability over 4300 h (1 mA cm−2) and 1350 h (5 mA cm−2), and assures the stable operation of Org-Cu@Zn||ZVO full cells with coin-type configurations.