Simultaneously Regulating the Ion Distribution and Electric Field to Achieve Dendrite-Free Zn Anode.

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems. However, there are many unresolved problems in commercial Zn foils such as dendrite growth and structural collapse. Herein, Cu mesh modified with CuO nanowires is constructed to simultaneously coordinate the ion distribution and electric field during Zn nucleation and growth. Owing to the improved uniformity of Zn plating and the confined Zn growth in the 3D framework, the prepared Zn anodes can be operated steadily in symmetrical cells for 340 h with a low voltage hysteresis (20 mV). This work can provide a new strategy to design the dendrite-free Zn anodes for practical application.