Interfacial Layer-adsorption Effect Induces Uniform Deposition for Stable Zn Anodes

The unfavorable side reactions (e.g., hydrogen evolution reaction), nonuniform diffusion of Zn²⁺ and dendrite growth severely hamper the large-scale applicability of aqueous Zn ion batteries. Herein, we introduce a multifunctional protective layer of porous diatomite (DE) to modify Zn anodes. The chemical bonding and electrostatic interactions of H₂O with Si-OH groups in DE endow it with a chromatographic column-like layer-by-layer adsorption effect, leading to inhibited hydrogen evolution reaction and accelerated desolvation kinetics of Zn (H₂O)₆²⁺. Furthermore, the chemically cross-linked structure of Si-O-Zn significantly improves the interfacial stability of the Zn surface, inducing a 3D diffusion of Zn²⁺ and a dendrite-free deposition layer. As a result, the DE-modified Zn anode (DE@Zn) enables a long stable cycling of more than 2400 h at 1 mA cm⁻² in Zn/Zn symmetrical cells. We further demonstrate a DE@Zn//V₂O₃@CNFs flexible battery delivering an excellent reversible capacity. This work highlights the importance of the layer-by-layer adsorption mechanism for ion uniform deposition and provides a promising strategy to stabilize metal electrodes.