A sodium polyphosphate-induced gel interfacial layer enables a stable Zn anode under harsh conditions

Abstract

A polymeric salt-induced gel separator stabilizes Zn anodes via PO₄³⁻–Zn²⁺ coordination, forming a robust 3D network. It enables 99.5% CE in Zn||Cu cells and over 2000 h of stable Zn||Zn cycling at 50 mA cm⁻²/50 mAh cm⁻² (89.5% DOD), effectively suppressing dendrite growth and enhancing reversibility of the zinc anode.