Molecularly Engineered Self‐Healing Polymer Interphase With Synergistic Dipoles for Ultra‐Stable Zinc Metal Anodes

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Authors: Zijian Xu, Zhuanyi Liu, Zhenhai Shi, Rui Wang, Suli Chen, Tianxi X. Liu
Cited by: 1
References: 53

Abstract

ABSTRACT Artificial interphase engineering is crucial for suppressing parasitic reactions and dendrite growth in Zn metal anodes, yet current designs suffer from sluggish/non‐selective Zn 2+ transport and inferior dynamic adaptability during cycling, leading to interfacial failure. Herein, we construct a molecularly engineered self‐healing polymer interphase (MSP) featuring synergistic functional dipoles, including cyano (─C≡N), hydroxyl (─OH), and boron moieties (─B(OR) 2 ). These dipoles synergistically regulate interfacial Zn 2+ behavior via multivalent dipole interactions: (1) ─OH groups facilitate hydrated Zn 2+ desolvation via hydrogen bonding; (2) zincophilic ─C≡N accelerates Zn 2+ migration via ion‐dipole interactions to balance the reduction kinetics; and (3) electron‐deficient boron sites effectively capture counter anions to enhance Zn 2+ selectivity through Lewis acid–base interactions. Moreover, dynamic borate ester bonds endow the interphase with autonomous crack repair and volume‐change accommodation. This molecular design enables rapid and selective Zn 2+ conduction, significantly inhibiting side reactions and dendrite growth while maintaining dynamic interfacial integrity. As a result, Zn/Zn symmetric cells achieve an impressive cycle life of over 780 h under harsh conditions of 8 mA cm −2 and 8 mAh cm −2 , and the feasibility of this MSP‐modified Zn anode was demonstrated in full cells. This work establishes molecular engineering of multi‐dipole interphases as a promising platform for advanced Zn anodes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced battery technologies research Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies Advancements in Battery Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Functional Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
36
Issue
70
Publication date
1 August 2026
Language
EN