Interfacial reconstruction toward a C60–Zn–Bi sandwich architecture for ultra-stable zinc anodes

Abstract

Severe dendrite growth and interfacial instability hinder the practical application of aqueous zinc metal anodes. Herein, we develop a self-reconstructed Fullerene–Zinc–Bismuth (C 60 –Zn–Bi) sandwich architecture to regulate Zn deposition and stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interface. A zincophilic Bi interlayer is first formed on Zn foil via an immersion reaction, providing uniform nucleation sites and inducing preferential Zn (002) deposition. Subsequently, a conformal C 60 overlayer is introduced to modulate interfacial charge distribution, reduce local electric-field concentration and suppress water-induced side reactions. During cycling, Zn preferentially deposits between the Bi interlayer and C 60 overlayer, forming a confined C 60 –Zn–Bi structure that limits outward Zn growth and reduces direct electrolyte exposure. Benefiting from this dual interfacial regulation , symmetric Zn cells operate stably for over 4000 h at 5 mA cm −2 and 3000 h at 10 mA cm −2 , maintaining more than 1000 h even at 25 mA cm −2 . Zn||I 2 full cells deliver over 10,000 cycles at 3 A g −1 , demonstrating enhanced rate durability and interfacial stability.