Defect reconfiguration for dendrite-free Zn anodes: Monodisperse micro-curves homogenizing electric fields enable >650 h flexible cycles

The deployment of flexible zinc-ion batteries is impeded by dendrite growth from random anode defects. Conventional defect-elimination strategies often compromise flexibility and fail to achieve uniform interfaces. We propose a paradigm shift: reconfiguring random defects into engineered, monodisperse artificial micro-curves to homogenize electric fields and guide aligned zinc (Zn) deposition. Using moisture-assisted flash heating, we transform zincophilic silver (Ag) coatings on carbon fibers into uniformly dispersed micro-curved particles (Ag Particles@CC), creating identical nucleation sites with optimal zinc ion (Zn2+) adsorption energetics. Theoretical simulations confirm these structures eliminate localized field concentrations, enabling homogeneous plating/stripping. This design demonstrates remarkable performance, with ultrastable 1500 cycles at 10 mA cm−2 (98.6 % avg. Coulombic efficiency) and symmetric cell operation > 650 h (57.7 mV hysteresis). Crucially, interparticle discontinuities preserve intrinsic flexibility, enabling flexible pouch cells (Ag Particles@CC-Zn//NaV3O8·1.5H2O) to successfully power wearable devices such as smartwatches and smartphones. This work establishes defect reconfiguration via artificial micro-curvature engineering as a universal strategy toward dendrite-suppressed, flexible energy storage.