Kinetic-screening electrolyte interface enables solvation reconstruction and interfacial regulation for dendrite-free zinc anodes

Abstract The instability of the zinc/electrolyte interface, caused by uncontrolled reactions involving water, protons, and anions, remains the primary obstacle for aqueous zinc‑ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, we report a novel strategy, via synergizing solvation reconstruction and interfacial kinetic screening, that fundamentally reprograms zinc nucleation and growth behavior. Methanol reconstructs the solvation sheath and reduces water activity; ascorbic acid contributes to interfacial regulation through preferential adsorption and coordination interactions with Zn species. This kinetic screening regulates Zn nucleation and facilitates preferential growth of (002)-oriented Zn deposition thermodynamically, promoting dendrite-free zinc anodes. Furthermore, ascorbic acid acts as an acid-base buffer to stabilize local pH and induces in situ formation of an organic-inorganic gradient solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Consequently, symmetric cells cycle stably for ~2000 h, and Zn||V2O5 full cells achieve 96.8% capacity retention after 5000 cycles at 1 A g-1. This work establishes interfacial kinetic screening as a general principle for stabilizing metal anodes.