Multifunctional fullerene protective layer for dendrite-free Zn metal anode.

[Display omitted] • The functional C 60 layer synergistically inhibit Zn dendrites and side reactions. • C 60 with good electron affinity benefits the ohmic contact at interface. • The C 60 coating induces Zn2+ ions to orient along the Zn(0 0 2) plane. • Symmetric cells deliver low voltage hysteresis and prolonged lifespan of 3800 h. Although the aqueous zinc batteries are deemed as the most competitive alternatives in the next-generation batteries, there are still annoying issues, including obdurate dendrites formation and side reactions, limiting practical applications. Hence, a uniform artificial C 60 layer via an ex-situ approach is successfully assembled to construct robust Zn anode (denoted as Zn@C 60). The functional C 60 layer allows the formation of the ohmic contact interface between the C 60 layer and Zn anode, inducing a low nucleation barrier and restraining 2D diffusion of Zn ions. More importantly, density functional theory calculations and simulation of the electric field contribution demonstrate that the C 60 layer can facilitate the deposition of Zn on the Zn(0 0 2) plane and homogenize the electric field distribution. Consequently, the Zn@C 60 electrode is obtained with a cycling stability over 3800 h at 0.25 mA cm−2 in symmetric cells, excellent coulombic efficiency for 1400 h in half cells, and together with better cycling stability and enhanced rate performance in full cells. Significantly, the C 60 layer protection strategy provides a new view for an excellent dendrite-free Zn metal anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]