Multi-scale Structure Engineering of ZnSnO 3 for Ultra-long-life Aqueous Zinc-Metal Batteries.

Suppressing the severe water-induced side reactions and uncontrolled dendrite growth of zinc (Zn) metal anodes is crucial for aqueous Zn-metal batteries to achieve ultra-long cyclic lifespans and promote their practical applications. Herein, we propose a concept of multi-scale (electronic-crystal-geometric) structure design to precisely construct the hollow amorphous ZnSnO 3 cubes (HZTO) for optimizing Zn metal anodes. In situ gas chromatography demonstrates that Zn anodes modified by HZTO (HZTO@Zn) can effectively inhibit the undesired hydrogen evolution. The pH stabilization and corrosion suppression mechanisms are revealed via operando pH detection and in situ Raman analysis. Moreover, comprehensively experimental and theoretical results prove that the amorphous structure and hollow architecture endow the protective HZTO layer with strong Zn affinity and rapid Zn 2+ diffusion, which are beneficial for achieving the ideal dendrite-free Zn anode. Accordingly, the excellent electrochemical performances for HZTO@Zn symmetric battery (6900 h at 2 mA cm -2 , 100 times longer than that of bare Zn), HZTO@Zn||V 2 O 5 full battery (99.3% capacity retention after 1100 cycles), and HZTO@Zn||V 2 O 5 pouch cell (120.6 Wh kg -1 at 1 A g -1 ) are achieved. This work with multi-scale structure advantage provides significant guidance to rationally develop advanced protective layers for other ultra-long-life metal batteries. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.