Epitaxy Orientation\nand Kinetics Diagnosis for Zinc\nElectrodeposition

An accurate assessment of the electrodeposition mechanism\nis essential\nfor evaluating the electrochemical stability and reversibility of\nthe metal anodes. Multiple strategies aimed at uniform Zn deposition\nhave been extensively reported, yet it is challenging to clarify the\nZn crystal growth regularity and activity due to the obscured physicochemical\nproperties of as-deposited Zn. Herein, we present a protocol for elucidating\nthe controlled epitaxial growth process of Zn crystals and quantifying\ntheir surface electrochemical activity using scanning electrochemical\nmicroscopy. We find that the early-stage epitaxy tends to form a stacked-multilayer\nstructure accompanied by intermittent rotation. The site-dependent\nkinetics and morphology correlation reveal a distinct evolution path\nat early and final stages. Our exploration advances the understanding\nof the Zn growth mechanism and facilitates the realization of the\ninterface kinetics of metal batteries <i>in situ</i>.