Constructing a Zincophilic CNT@POF Coating on a Zn Anode for Dendrite-Free Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Porphyrin organic frameworks (POFs) have garnered significant interest within the realm of organic framework materials, which is largely attributed to their conjugated molecular architecture and well-ordered pore channels. In this study, zinc metal was coordinated with porphyrin, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were employed as a template to synthesize the CNT@POF composite. The high conductivity and enhanced ion transport capability of CNTs were synergistically combined with the porphyrin system to construct an interfacial protective layer on the Zn anode for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs). This present design is intended to inhibit undesirable parasitic reactions, namely, dendrite formation, chemical corrosion, electrode passivation, and hydrogen evolution. Long-term cycling results prove that the symmetric cell featuring this protective coating can operate stably for 1150 h while operated at 3 mA cm–2 and 1 mAh cm–2. Furthermore, after 4000 cycles at 5 A g–1, the full cell retains a specific capacity of 93.5 mAh g–1, equating to a capacity retention of 85.5%. The present research presents an interfacial modification strategy based on metal-coordinated porphyrin and template-assisted synthesis, providing a viable route to realizing dendrite-free Zn anodes for high-performing AZIBs.