Ion capturer for spontaneous regulation of interface microenvironment to enable highly durable Zn metal anode

Parasitic interface side reactions and uncontrollable Zn deposition seriously erode the cycling performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries, thus impeding the large-scale application. Herein, an organic acid molecule with a unique molecular structure, camphorsulfonic acid (CSA), is first proposed to remodel the interface microenvironment as an electrolyte additive. The proton provided by CSA can neutralize the hydroxide ions generated by side reactions and inhibit the accumulation of alkaline by-products. The sulfonic acid groups are firmly adsorbed on the Zn anode surface, thereby enabling the regulation of interfacial species. Specifically, oxygen-containing functional groups combined with hydrophobic rigid carbon rings achieve a water-poor interface environment and promote the transfer of Zn2+, providing a suitable environment for Zn deposition. As a result, Zn//Zn symmetrical battery can run for over 2800 h (2 mA cm−2-2 mAh cm−2), demonstrating 28-times lifespan compared to the battery without CSA. Furthermore, Zn//KVO full cell presents excellent performance of 800 cycles at 3 A g−1. Besides, the pouch cell with CSA can also operate a capacity of 153.8 mAh after 60 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 with 96.5% capacity retention rate. This work provides an organism-inspired additive selection for stabilizing the interface chemistry of the Zn anode.