Reversible Zn/polymer heterogeneous anode

Commercialization of Zn-metal anodes with low cost and high theoretical capacity is hindered by the poor reversibility caused by dendrites growth,side reactions,and the slow Zn^(2+)-transport and reaction kinetics.Herein,a reversible heterogeneous electrode of Zn-nanocrystallites/polyvinylphosphonic acrylamide(Zn/PPAm)with fast electrochemical kinetics is designed for the first time:phosphonic acid groups with strong polarity and chelation effect ensure structural reversibility and stability of the threedimensional Zn-storage-host PPAm network and the Zn/PPAm hybrid;hydrophobic carbon chains suppress side reactions such as hydrogen evolution and corrosion;weak electron-donating amide groups constitute Zn^(2+)-transport channels and promote“desolvation”and“solvation”effects of Zn^(2+)by dragging the PPAm network on the Zn-metal surface to compress/stretch during Zn plating/stripping,respectively;and the heterostructure and Zn nanocrystallites suppress dendrite growth and enhance electrochemical reactivity,respectively.Thus,the Zn/PPAm electrode shows cycle reversibility of over 6000 h with a hysteresis voltage as low as 31 mV in symmetrical cells and excellent durability and flexibility in fiber-shaped batteries.