Atomic Zincophilic Sites Regulating Microspace Electric Fields for Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode

Aqueous Zn metal batteries are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to their intrinsic advantages. However, Zn tends to deposit irregularly and forms dendrites driven by the uneven space electric field distribution near the Zn-electrolyte interphase. Herein it is demonstrated that trace addition of Co single atom anchored carbon (denoted as CoSA/C) in the electrolyte regulates the microspace electric field at the Zn-electrolyte interphase and unifies Zn deposition. Through preferential adsorption of CoSA/C on the Zn surface, the atomically dispersed Co-N3 with strong charge polarization effect can redistribute the local space electric field and regulate ion flux. Moreover, the dynamic adsorption/desorption of CoSA/C upon plating/stripping offers sustainable long-term regulation. Therefore, Zn||Zn symmetric cells with CoSA/C electrolyte additive deliver stable cycling up to 1600 h (corresponding to a cumulative plated capacity of 8 Ah cm-2) at a high current density of 10 mA cm-2, demonstrating the sustainable feature of microspace electric field regulation at high current density and capacity. The CoSA/C additive with strong Zn affinity can preferentially absorb on the Zn surface in which the curvature-adjusted absorption enables a self-adaptive distribution. Atomic zincophilic Co-N3 sites with strong charge polarization effect redistribute the microspace electric field and ion flux, thus guiding uniform Zn deposition. Moreover, the dynamic adsorption/desorption of CoSA/C upon plating/stripping guarantees a sustainable regulation.image