In situ formation of zincophilic–hydrophobic layers via self-assembling additives for stabilizing zinc metal anodes

Ethylene sulfate (ES) serves as an electrolyte additive that undergoes in situ electrochemical reduction at the zinc surface, generating C2H5-SO3-OH. This reduction product spontaneously self-assembles into a zincophilic-hydrophobic interfacial layer, which guides uniform Zn deposition, suppresses dendritic growth, and inhibits hydrogen evolution and corrosion.