Synergistic alloy interface and Zn(002) texture for stable Zn anodes in aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc (Zn) batteries feature better environmental compatibility, cost advantage and low redox potential. However, uncontrolled Zn dendrites and hydrogen evolution severely hinder Zn anode reversibility. Orienting Zn deposition along the (002) crystal plane is considered an effective strategy. Unfortunately, (002)-textured Zn struggles to achieve stable cycling at high capacities due to lattice distortions and uneven electric fields. Here, a heat treatment strategy is reported to form modified Zn-based anodes by constructing a (002)-oriented substrate while introducing the hybrid interface. The (002) crystal surface, characterized by the lowest surface energy and a smooth equipotential surface, prevents side reactions and improves cycling stability. Meanwhile, the alloy/Zn hybrid interface demonstrates superior hydrophilicity and electrical conductivity, modulating Zn²⁺ flux distribution and preserving the integrity of the (002) epitaxial texture against disruptions during cycling. Consequently, the modified Zn anodes maintain stable cycling for over 600 h under high capacity (5 mAh cm⁻²). Additionally, the modified Zn||LiMn₂O₄ full cells exhibit a high-capacity retention of 82.4% after 200 cycles. The optimal orientation coupled with alloy interface protection strategy provides a new method to realize dendrite-free metal deposition.