Threefold-Symmetric Te Nanoparticles for Stabilizing Zinc Metal Anodes

Abstract Uncontrolled Zn nucleation and growth at the electrode–electrolyte interface limit the reversibility and lifetime of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Nanoparticle (NP)-based anode protective layers are widely used to regulate Zn deposition, yet precise control over the exposed zincophilic facets of individual NPs remains challenging. Here, we show a facet-geometry engineering strategy based on threefold-symmetric Te nanoparticles (TF–Te NPs) to modulate Zn plating/stripping during cycling. The TF–Te NPs present a high density of zincophilic facets, while their threefold symmetric geometry spatially clusters nucleation sites within nanoscale proximity, promoting uniform Zn deposition and accelerating interfacial kinetics. As a result, TF–Te NP-modified Zn anodes exhibit reduced nucleation overpotentials, improved rate capability, and enhanced cycling stability. Our work establishes a direct link between NP geometry, facet-dependent zincophilicity, and Zn deposition behavior, offering a strategy for engineering NP protective layers across a broad range of aqueous batteries.