Zincophilic SnS2 protective layer for homogeneous deposition towards dendrite-free aqueous Zn metal batteries

As one of the most promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage, aqueous Zn metal batteries (AZMBs) have attracted extensive attention owing to their high theoretical capacity, high safety, low voltage, and environmental benign. However, Zn metal continuously suffers the corrosion and dendrites issue during cycling owing to uneven deposition. Herein, we proposed a facile deposition strategy, achieving a continuous deposition process from moderately heterogeneous phase evolution to smoothly homogeneous deposition, realizing a dendrites-free anode for AZMBs. The flower-like SnS2 structure provides nucleation assistance by enlarging the active area and guiding zinc ion flux through its favorable affinity for zinc. Meanwhile, the SnS2 layer also inhibits the HER and corrosion serving as a protective layer. The symmetrical cell with the modified Zn metal anode realizes a stable and prolonged lifespan of 1,000 h under a current density of 5 mA/cm2. This study presents an innovative approach to zinc ion storage materials, realizing guiding zinc ion flux, assisting nucleation processes, and providing corrosion inhibition.