A multifunctional gradient coating enables dendrite-free and side reaction-free zinc anodes for stable zinc-ion batteries

Unproductive side reactions, such as dendritic growth, are greatly restricting the deployment of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Herein, a lanthanum oxide-tin double coating modified zinc anode (La2O3- Sn@Zn) is designed and prepared to solve these problems. Impor-tantly, the tin layer grown in situ on the surface of bare zinc endows better zincophilic qualities given its lower energy barrier for nucle-ation and alloy formation. A lanthanum oxide layer ensures the con-tact isolation of zinc from electrolyte and the uniform distribution of zinc ions. With synergetic effects from both coatings, the La2O3- Sn@Zn anode ensures a stable, dendrite-free, side reaction-free zinc plating/stripping with a 60-fold prolonged service lifespan compared with bare zinc, even at a high current density of 5 mA cm -2. This work paves the way for a potential method to develop long-lifespan zinc anodes and zinc-ion batteries.