Modular Design of Functional Glucose Monomer and Block Co-Polymer toward Stable Zn Anodes

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Yaping Yan - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)
  • Ruhuai Mei - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Jiachen Ma - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)
  • Yang Huang - , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (Author)
  • Ying Zhu - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Zhen Lang - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Cheng Li - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Hongmei Tang - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)
  • Wenlan Zhang - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)
  • Jing Lu - , Peking University (Author)
  • Oliver G. Schmidt - , Chemnitz University of Technology, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Kai Zhang - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • Minshen Zhu - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Aqueous Zn batteries employing mildly acidic electrolytes have emerged as promising contenders for safe and cost-effective energy storage solutions. Nevertheless, the intrinsic reversibility of the Zn anode becomes a focal concern due to the involvement of acidic electrolyte, which triggers Zn corrosion and facilitates the deposition of insulating byproducts. Moreover, the unregulated growth of Zn over cycling amplifies the risk of internal short-circuiting, primarily induced by the formation of Zn dendrites. In this study, a class of glucose-derived monomers and a block copolymer are synthesized through a building-block assembly strategy, ultimately leading to uncover the optimal polymer structure that suppresses the Zn corrosion while allowing efficient ion conduction with a substantial contribution from cation transport. Leveraging these advancements, remarkable enhancements are achieved in the realm of Zn reversibility, exemplified by a spectrum of performance metrics, including robust cycling stability without voltage overshoot and short-circuiting during 3000 h of cycling, stable operation at a high depth of charge/discharge of 75% and a high current density, >95% Coulombic efficiency over 2000 cycles, successful translation of the anode improvement to full cell performance. These polymer designs offer a transformative path based on the modular synthesis of polymeric coatings toward highly reversible Zn anode.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number2400292
JournalSmall
Volume20
Issue number37
Publication statusPublished - 12 Sept 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 38659378

Keywords

Keywords

  • glucose monomer, high reversibility, modular design, polymeric coating, Zn batteries