Regulating interfacial behavior of zinc metal anode via metal-organic framework functionalized separator

Aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs) are one of the promising energy storage devices.However,uncontrolled dendrite and side reactions have seriously hindered its further application.In this study,the metal-organic framework(MOF) functionalized glass fiber separator(GF-PFC-31) was used to regulate interfacial behavior of zinc metal anode,enabling the development of high-performance AZIBs.In PFC-31,there are π-π interactions between two adjacent benzene rings with a spacing of 3.199 A.This spacing can block the passage of [Zn(H2O)6]2+(8.6 A in diameter) through the GF-PFC-31 separator to a certain extent,which promotes the deposition process of Zn ions.In addition,the sulfonic acid group(-S03H)contained in GF-PFC-31 can form a hydrogen bonding network with H2O,which can provide a desolvation effect and reduce the side reaction.Consequently,GF-PFC-31 separator achieves uniform deposition of Zn ions.The Zn‖GF-PFC-31‖Zn symmetric cell exhibits stable cycle life(3000 h at 1.2 mA cm-2,2000 h at 0.3 mA cm-2,and 2000 h at 5.0 mA cm-2),and Zn‖GF-PFC-31‖MnO2full cell with GF-PFC-31 separator can cycle for 1000 cycles at 1.2 A g-1with capacity retention rate of 82.5%.This work provides a promising method to achieve high-performance AZIBs.