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Published on: June 9, 2023
High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Organic Battery with a Photo-Responsive Covalent Organic Framework Cathode
Shoucheng Wang1, Congcong Zhu1, Jiale Ji1
1Key Laboratory of Display Materials and Photoelectric Devices (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Lab for Photoelectric Materials and Devices, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Function Materials Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China.
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) show promise for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs). A new NT-COF cathode with Mn2+ additive achieves high voltage and capacity, even under light, advancing energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer sustainable, porous materials for energy storage.
- Existing COFs for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) face challenges with low capacity and voltage.
- Donor-acceptor COFs present a potential solution for improved battery performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel donor-acceptor COF (NT-COF) as a cathode material for aqueous ZIBs.
- To investigate the synergistic electrochemical mechanism and performance enhancement under light exposure.
- To assess the potential of NT-COF for high-energy-density aqueous electrochemical energy storage.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of NT-COF material.
- Electrochemical testing of NT-COF as a cathode in ZIBs with Mn2+ additive.
- Analysis of charge storage mechanisms involving Zn ions, H+, and SO4 2-.
- Evaluation of photo-enhanced electrochemical performance and cycling stability.
Main Results:
- The NT-COF cathode achieved a high discharge voltage plateau (≈1.4 V) and capacity (214 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1).
- A synergistic mechanism involving Zn deposition/dissolution and co-(de)insertion of H+/SO4 2- was identified.
- Light exposure enhanced electrochemical reactions, reducing charging voltage and overpotential.
- Under ambient light, the cell demonstrated an average discharge capacity of 430 mAh g−1 and 200 cycles of stable performance.
Conclusions:
- NT-COF is a promising cathode material for high-performance aqueous ZIBs.
- The donor-acceptor configuration and synergistic mechanism contribute to enhanced electrochemical properties.
- Photo-enhanced performance offers a pathway towards efficient photo-electrochemical batteries.
- This work paves the way for advanced Zn-organic batteries with high energy density.
