PROTECTED ZINC METAL ELECTRODES AND METHODS FOR RECHARGEABLE ZINC CELLS AND BATTERIES

A protected zinc electrode, rechargeable cell, and methods of fabricating and operating the protected zinc electrode are provided. The protected zinc electrode includes a zinc electrode including an electrode active material including bulk zinc metal. The protected zinc electrode also includes a protective structure in physical continuity with the bulk zinc metal. The protective structure includes one or more layers. Each layer includes a solid-electrolyte component forming a continuous Zn2+ ion-conducting network throughout the layer.