Nb-based MXene as efficient artificial interlayer in modulating interface behaviors and restraining zinc-dendrites

Although aqueous zinc ion batteries have garnered tremendous interest, harsh zinc dendrite growth and interface side reaction as the major stumbling block still hamper the further utilization. Nb-based MXene as efficient artificial interlayer is employed to modulate interface behaviors, orchestrate zinc deposition, and inhibit zinc dendrites. Nb 2 CT x -MXene@Zn symmetrical battery manifests minimal polarizing voltage of 67.7 mV, and can availably arrest structural degradation with a cycle life of 1191 h under the conditions of 1.0 mA cm −2 /1.0 mAh cm −2 . The Nb₂CTₓ-MXene@Zn//(NH₄)₂V₃O₈ full cell demonstrates remarkable cycling stability, maintaining a discharge specific capacity of 233.5 mAh g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹. Compared with the bare zinc anode, the Nb₂CTₓ-MXene modified anode exhibits superior performance in terms of coulombic efficiency, rate capability, and corrosion resistance, effectively suppressing zinc dendrite growth and interfacial side reactions. Mechanistic studies reveal that the Nb₂CTₓ-MXene artificial interface optimizes zinc ion deposition behavior, thereby enhancing the cycle life of the zinc anode and the overall battery performance. These findings highlight the promising practical application value of this interface engineering strategy in advancing high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries.