Optimization\nof the Zinc Deposition Interface by Sn\nNanoparticles for Fast-Charging Zinc Metal Anodes

The electrodeposition behavior of zinc metal anodes critically\ncorrelates with the electrode surface properties. The tendency for\ninhomogeneous deposition of zinc is more severe, especially under\nhigh current density. Herein, the surface structure of zinc and zinc\ndeposition substrates is reconstructed with a uniform metal tin (Sn)\ncoating via a simple evaporation method. Sn nanoparticles can serve\non metal nuclei to reduce the Zn nucleation barrier and enable more\nnucleation sites for even deposition. Moreover, the mechanical stability\nof the electrode surface is improved via Zn–Sn alloying. Consequently,\nthe uniform Zn deposition/dissolution behavior on Sn-modified two-\nand three-dimensional copper substrates is reflected in the stable\nCoulombic efficiency and reduced polarization. The Sn@Zn electrode\nis endowed with superior stability at a high current density (800\nh at 20 mA cm<sup>–2</sup>). More encouragingly, the full cell\ninstalled with a carbon nanotube/MnO<sub>2</sub> cathode maintains\nenduring stability (700 cycles) at 1 A g<sup>–1</sup>. This\nwork enlightens metal alloy as an effective and instructive modification\nstrategy toward stabilized zinc anodes.