Interfacial Layer Design Strategy Inspired by the Fluid Mosaic Model for Enhancing Zinc Anode Stability

Abstract

The growth of zinc dendrites and side reactions such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) significantly impede the practical implementation of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). To overcome these obstacles, a strategy for interfacial layer design inspired by the fluid mosaic model is proposed. Sodium decane-1-sulfonate (C₁₀SO), an anionic surfactant with a suitable carbon chain length, is introduced to replicate the dynamic behavior of phospholipid molecules, resulting in the formation of a stable interfacial layer that enhances the cycling stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface. Theoretical calculations and experimental analyses indicate that the SO₃^– headgroup of C₁₀SO preferentially adsorbs onto the zinc anode surface, while the carbon chain tail aligns in an orderly manner due to van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. The combined interaction between the zinc-affinitive headgroup and the hydrophobic tail facilitates the spontaneous formation of a stable interfacial layer. This layer effectively prevents water molecules from directly contacting the zinc anode and provides pathways for Zn²⁺ migration, thereby improving the zinc deposition behavior. Experimental results reveal that a Zn||Zn symmetric cell incorporating C₁₀SO achieved a cycling life of 3800 h at a current density of 1 mA cm^–2. Additionally, the Zn||AlVO-NMP full cell demonstrated a capacity retention of 70.3% after 5000 cycles at 5 A g^–1. These findings confirm the significant impact of this interfacial design strategy on zinc anode stability and present a novel approach for the selection and optimization of electrolyte additives.