In Situ Generated\nZwitterionic Interface for Reversible\nZn Anodes

Aqueous zinc ion batteries possess the merits of low\ncost, high\nsafety, sustainability, and scalable production. However, the thorny\nissues of parasitic side reactions and zinc dendrite growth hinder\ntheir practical applications. Herein, an in situ generated polyzwitterionic\npolymeric interface {poly[3-(1-vinyl-3-imidazolio)propanesulfonate]}\nis constructed on the Zn anode through a simple yet efficient polymerization\nstrategy. The designed polymeric interface not only accelerates the\nZn<sup>2+</sup> ion transport, repulses free SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2–</sup> anions, and facilitates the desolvation of Zn<sup>2+</sup> ions\nbut also replenishes Zn<sup>2+</sup> ions at the electrode–electrolyte\ninterface to mitigate the concentration gradient. Benefiting from\nsuch a unique design, Zn–Zn symmetric cells represent stable\nZn plating/stripping for 7400 h at 0.5 mA cm<sup>–2</sup>.\nMoreover, the Zn–Cu asymmetric cells could deliver steady plating/stripping\nexceeding 6200 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.60.\nThis work highlights the potential of coordination interphase engineering\nin ensuring the stability of Zn anodes.