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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
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Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
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Stabilizing the Anode and Cathode Interface Synchronously via Electrolyte-Triggered Hydrogel Interphase for Zinc
Xinze Cai1, Xin Li1, Jiahui Liang1
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China.
Nano-Micro Letters
|January 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new strategy to improve aqueous zinc metal batteries by creating a protective hydrogel layer. This enhances battery stability and longevity, paving the way for more sustainable energy storage solutions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) face challenges due to interfacial instability in aqueous electrolytes.
- Understanding multi-scale interfacial issues is crucial for ZMB advancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decipher the causes of interfacial instability in ZMBs.
- To develop a strategy for resolving interfacial failure in ZMBs.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulation to analyze interfacial instability.
- Development of an electrolyte-triggered interphase construction strategy.
- In situ formation of a hydrogel interphase on anode and cathode.
Main Results:
- The strategy facilitates electrode-separator contact and anode reversibility via a bilayer SEI.
- It enhances Zn2+ desolvation kinetics and blocks electron tunneling.
- Long-term cathode stability is achieved by restricting MnO2 dissolution, with 2000 cycles at a 0.0051% decay rate.
Conclusions:
- The developed strategy effectively resolves interfacial failure in ZMBs.
- This approach promotes practical ZMBs for sustainable energy storage.
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