Artificial Protrusion Architectures Enabling Horizontal-Diffusion Nucleation for Stable Zinc-Based Batteries

Rechargeable batteries with metal anodes promise superior energy storage; however, dendrite formation poses risks to safety and stability. Conventional methods to inhibit dendrite growth in zinc-based batteries (ZBs) are partially effective and may compromise their performance. Herein, a unique artificial protrusion strategy (APS) is proposed involving the mechanical incorporation of Zn powder particles on the surface of zincophilic metals. This method guides Zn2+ ions to preferentially obtain electrons on the Zn powders and allows nucleation and growth on the more energetically favorable substrate surface, demonstrating a horizontal-diffusion mechanism of Zn nucleation on the anode surface and steering the subsequent nuclei growth to undergo uniform Zn deposition. The resulting dendrite-free Zn anode extends the Zn symmetrical cell lifespan to nearly 5000 h in the coin cell configuration, notably superior to the reported performance. Additionally, the Zn–I2 and Zn–MnO2 pouch cells achieve notable capacities of 480 mAh (3000 h) and 1.8 Ah over multiple cycles, respectively. These results mark a significant advance toward resolving dendrite-related issues through anode structural design, paving the way for future sustainable development.