A multifunctional Cu@g-C₃N₄ interfacial coating with synergistic desolvation promotion and interfacial pH stabilization for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Abstract

Atomically dispersed Cu sites within a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) coating synergistically suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction via intrinsic 3d¹⁰ anticatalysis, promote Zn²⁺ desolvation, and stabilize interfacial pH — directly quantified using a purpose-built Swagelok cell in-situ pH monitor — yielding 99.7% Coulombic efficiency, 1000 h symmetric cell lifespan, and 94.8% full-cell capacity retention.