@article{Zheng2026, 
author = {Yangling Zheng and Yu Zhang and Xianguo Li},
title = {Construction of a Hydrophobic TiO2 Interfacial Layer on Zinc Anodes and Study of Its Cycling Performance},
year = {2026},
journal = {Periodical of Ocean University of China},
volume = {56},
number = {8},
pages = {106-113},
keywords = {Zn anode, titanium dioxide, cycling stability, dendrite suppression, hydrophobicity},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.16441/j.cnki.hdxb.20250284},
doi = {10.16441/j.cnki.hdxb.20250284},
abstract = {To address the persistent challenges of dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and corrosion in aqueous Zn-ion batteries, this study demonstrates the construction of a zincophilic-hydrophobic TiO2 interfacial layer on the Zn anode. This was achieved by grafting hydrophobic methacryloxypropyl groups (CH2 ＝ C(CH3)COO(CH2)3—) onto nano-TiO2 via the silane coupling agent (KH570). The grafted hydrocarbon chains act as a hydrophobic barrier, impeding H2O diffusion and promoting the desolvation of hydrated Zn2+ to suppress side reactions. Simultaneously, the abundant Ti—OH groups on TiO2 serve as zincophilic sites, increasing local Zn2+ concentration and facilitating uniform deposition. The modified Zn anode exhibited a transition from hydrophilic (79°) to hydrophobic (105°) wetting behavior and a significantly reduced charge-transfer resistance. Consequently, it delivered exceptional cycling stability exceeding 800 hours at 1 mA·cm-2 and 1 mAh·cm-2. This work provides a novel interfacial design strategy for high-performance zinc anodes.}
}