Long-Life\nZinc Anodes via Molecular-Layer-Deposited\nInorganic–Organic Hybrid Titanicone Thin Films

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have consistently\nfaced challenges related\nto the instability of the zinc anode. Uncontrolled dendrite growth,\nhydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and byproduct accumulation on the\nzinc anode severely affect the cycling life of ZIBs. Herein, inorganic–organic\nhybrid thin films of titanicones (Ti-based hydroquinone, TiHQ) were\nfabricated by molecular layer deposition (MLD) technology to modify\nthe zinc metal anode. The MLD-based Zn@TiHQ anode suppresses the dendrite\ngrowth on the anode surface, reduces side reactions, and facilitates\nthe desolvation and rapid transport of Zn<sup>2+</sup> ions. As a\nresult, it maintains an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) as high\nas 99.1% over 300 cycles at 0.5 mA cm<sup>–2</sup> and 1 mAh\ncm<sup>–2</sup>, exhibiting excellent cycling stability for\nover 2800 h and enhancing the reversible capacity of the Zn@TiHQ||MnO<sub>2</sub> full cell. This work demonstrates that the MLD-derived inorganic–organic\nhybrid TiHQ coating provides a more stable interfacial environment\nfor the zinc anode, opening an avenue for designing high-performance\nzinc anodes.