Long-Life Zinc Anodes via Molecular-Layer-Deposited Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Titanicone Thin Films

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have consistently faced challenges related to the instability of the zinc anode. Uncontrolled dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and byproduct accumulation on the zinc anode severely affect the cycling life of ZIBs. Herein, inorganic-organic hybrid thin films of titanicones (Ti-based hydroquinone, TiHQ) were fabricated by molecular layer deposition (MLD) technology to modify the zinc metal anode. The MLD-based Zn@TiHQ anode suppresses the dendrite growth on the anode surface, reduces side reactions, and facilitates the desolvation and rapid transport of Zn²⁺ ions. As a result, it maintains an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) as high as 99.1% over 300 cycles at 0.5 mA cm^-2 and 1 mAh cm^-2, exhibiting excellent cycling stability for over 2800 h and enhancing the reversible capacity of the Zn@TiHQ||MnO₂ full cell. This work demonstrates that the MLD-derived inorganic-organic hybrid TiHQ coating provides a more stable interfacial environment for the zinc anode, opening an avenue for designing high-performance zinc anodes.