Dendrite-Free and Highly Stable Zn Metal Anode with BaTiO3/P(VDF-TrFE) Coating

Aqueous rechargeable Zn metal batteries have garnered increasing attention due to their high theoretical capacity, high safety, and low cost. However, their commercialization has been impeded by the rapid cycling deterioration caused by side reactions and dendrite growth on Zn anodes. The present work explores a dielectric organic–inorganic film with a hydrophobic surface to circumvent these problems and suppress dendrite growth on the zinc anode. Dielectric BaTiO3/P(VDF-TrFE) (BTO/PVT) coating has been demonstrated to promote uniform zinc deposition and inhibit dendrite growth. The hydrophobic surface also regulates the Zn-ion desolvation process at the interfaces and is crucial in preventing water from harming the Zn anode surface, leading to a dendrite-free surface and little formation of byproducts. The resulting BTO/PVT@Zn anode has a long lifespan of 3000 h and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.6% at 1 mA cm–2. In addition, the BTO/PVT@Zn||NH4V4O10 full cell shows a good rate capability and a long cycling lifespan.