Conclusion
To summarize, an in situ ion sieve interphase based on 2D
Zn2(bim)4 MOF with a pore size of
~2.1 Å was developed for high-performance zinc anodes
using a novel gel vapor deposition method. This MOF protective
interphase with fine pores can physically reject the transport of large
Zn2+-H2O coordination pairs and
facilitate the desolvation of Zn2+ at the
electrode/electrolyte interface, as evidenced by Raman spectra and
impedance analysis. As a result, it significantly extends the lifespan
of Zn//Zn symmetric cells (~1000 h at 0.5 mA
cm-2, 0.5 mAh cm-2, and
~700 h at 1 mA cm-2, 1 mAh
cm-2). Furthermore, when the
Zn@Zn2(bim)4 anode was paired with a
MnO2 cathode, the full cell demonstrated improved rate performance and
stable cycling over 1200 cycles at 1 A g-1. The GVD
method allows for the in situ layered growth of a 2D MOF into a
continuous layer, and the unique pore sizes can physically desolvate
zinc ions and alleviate water-induced corrosion. This work offers
insights into the regulation of Zn2+ transport with
the size effect of MOF channels and provides a route for interface
construction to extend the cycle life of zinc anodes.