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Merging Ion Concentration Polarization between Juxtaposed Ion Exchange Membranes to Block the Propagation of the Polarization Zone
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Accelerating Ion Desolvation via Bioinspired Ion Channel Design in Nonconcentrated Aqueous Electrolytes
Jiangbin Deng1, Guanfeng Xue1, Chen Li1
1National Innovation Center for Industry-Education Integration of Energy Storage Technology, MOE Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, CQU-NUS Renewable Energy Materials & Devices Joint Laboratory, School of Energy & Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|February 5, 2025
Summary
Engineered electrode surfaces mimic biological ion channels to prevent water decomposition in aqueous electrolytes. This breakthrough enables stable, high-performance aqueous energy storage devices using low-concentration electrolytes.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous electrolytes in energy storage are limited by water hydrolysis at electrode interfaces.
- The
- water-in-salt
- approach broadens electrochemical stability but faces cost and viscosity challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel strategy for stabilizing low-concentration aqueous electrolytes.
- To inhibit water decomposition and enhance ion transport at electrochemical interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Engineered electrode surfaces inspired by biological ion channels.
- Subnanometer pore design (0.8 nm) to induce ion desolvation.
- Investigated hydrated ion transport and electrostatic interactions.
Main Results:
- Achieved controlled ion desolvation with a hydration number of 0.3 for potassium ions.
- Facilitated accelerated ion transport via electrostatic interactions.
- Demonstrated stable cycling (>1000 h) in Zn||Zn cells at 1 mA cm-2/10 mAh cm-2.
Conclusions:
- Electrode surface engineering is a viable strategy for stabilizing aqueous electrolytes.
- This approach overcomes limitations of existing methods for aqueous energy storage.
- Opens new avenues for designing advanced aqueous batteries and supercapacitors.
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