Charge-Transfer Complex-Based Artificial Layers for Stable and Efficient Zn Metal Anodes

Herein, we report a charge-transfer complex electrolyteadditive,7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), with high Zn affinity, whichwas tightly adsorbed on the surface of a Zn anode to form a denseand robust interfacial complex layer and suppress the activity ofH(2)O. As verified by comprehensive experimental and computationalanalyses, this complex layer could construct a Zn-Zn-(TCNQ)(2) Ohmic contact interface, guide rapid ion/electron transport,ameliorate electric field distribution, and inhibit the direct contactbetween the active H2O and Zn anode, demonstrating a dendrite-freeZn anode and facile Zn plating/stripping kinetics. Consequently, theZn||Zn symmetrical cell exhibits a high Zn plating/stripping reversibilityof over 1000 h at 20 mA cm(-2) and 5 mA h cm(-2) and a high depth of discharge (43%). Moreover, the Zn||MnO2 full cell delivers a high capacity of 143.3 mA h g(-1) at 2000 mA g(-1) even after 4000 cycles and a capacityretention of 94.7% after returning to 100 mA g(-1).