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Solid-Adsorbed Polymer-Electrolyte Interphases for Stabilizing Metal Anodes in Aqueous Zn and Non-Aqueous Li
Shuo Jin1, Yue Deng2, Pengyu Chen1
1Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|March 2, 2023
Summary
Researchers found an optimal polymer molecular weight for enhanced battery performance. This discovery offers a simple method to improve the lifespan of zinc and lithium batteries by controlling polymer adsorption.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Polymers spontaneously adsorb onto high-energy substrates from liquid solutions, forming durable interphases.
- Controlling interphase properties is crucial for advancing energy storage technologies.
- Understanding polymer conformation and electrochemical effects at interfaces is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the interfacial adsorption of polyethylene glycol (PEG) oligomers in various electrolytes.
- To determine the optimal polymer molecular weight for maximizing coulombic efficiency in metal deposition.
- To provide insights for enhancing battery lifetime through polymer interfacial engineering.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the interfacial adsorption of oligomeric polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains.
- Studied PEG solutions in both protic and aprotic liquid electrolytes.
- Evaluated the effect of polymer molecular weight on zinc and lithium deposition efficiency.
Main Results:
- Identified an optimal polymer molecular weight of approximately 400 Da for high coulombic efficiency.
- Observed this optimum for both zinc and lithium deposition processes.
- Demonstrated that polymer molecular weight significantly impacts interfacial properties and battery performance.
Conclusions:
- Polymer molecular weight is a critical factor in optimizing battery interfacial performance.
- An optimum PEG molecular weight of ~400 Da enhances coulombic efficiency for Zn and Li deposition.
- This research presents a straightforward strategy for extending battery lifespan through controlled polymer adsorption.
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