Te-hybridized zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-derived core-shell design toward dendrite-free Zn anode for long-term aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Hypothesis: Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have received considerable attention owing to their safety, low cost, and environmental benignity. However, the side reactions of hydrogen evolution revolution and Zn dendrite growth reduce the Coulombic efficiency and life span of AZIBs. To address these issues, we designed an artificial protective layer of a Te-hybridized core–shell zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF). Experiments: A core–shell structure of ZIF-8@ZIF-67 was first developed as a protecting layer on the Zn anode. To improve the poor conductivity of ZIF and its affinity for Zn, the core–shell structure was hybridized with zincophilic Te to increase the surface area and reduce the charge-transfer resistance. Findings: By incorporating metallic Te into ZIF-8 and ZIF-67, the nucleation potential and charge-transfer resistance were significantly reduced, enhancing the ion reaction kinetics and electron migration. Benefiting from the Te-hybridized ZIF-8@ZIF-67-derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon (Te-hybridized ZIF-8@ZIF-67/NC) layer, a full cell of Zn coated with Te-hybridized ZIF-8@ZIF-67/NC//MnO₂ exhibited an excellent rate performance of 214 mAh g⁻¹ at an ultrahigh current density of 10 A g⁻¹ and ultralong cycle life (3200 cycles) without the formation of Zn dendrites.