Facilely constructing ultrahigh lattice-matched CuZn5 epitaxial interface for dendrite-free Zn metal anode

Constructing a protective layer on Zn anode surface with high lattice matching to Zn (002) can facilitate preferential growth along the (002) crystal plane and suppress dendritic growth as well as interface side reactions. Whereas most of protective layers are complex and costly, making commercial applications challenging. Herein, we introduce a facile method involving the addition of CuCl2 electrolyte additives to conventional electrolyte systems, which, through rapid displacement reactions and controlled electrochemical cycling, forms a CuZn5 alloy layer with 97.2% lattice matching to the (0 0 2) plane (CuZn5@Zn), thus regulating the (002) plane epitaxial deposition. As a result, the symmetric cells with CuZn5@Zn demonstrate an ultra-long cycle life of 3600 h at 1 mA cm(-2). Under extreme conditions of high current density (20 mA cm(-2)) and high zinc utilization (DODZn = 50%), stable cycling performance is maintained for 220 and 350 h, respectively. Furthermore, the CuZn5@Zn||NH4V4O10 full cell maintains a capacity of 120 mA h g(-1) even after 10,000 cycles at a high current density of 10 A g(-1). This work presents a facile and efficient strategy for constructing stable metal anode materials, with implications for the development of next-generation rechargeable batteries.