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Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
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Polyamine Compound with High-Density N-H Proton Arrays Enables High-Loading and Long Lifespan Zinc-Iodine Batteries
Yanzi Deng1, Tiancheng You1, Qiwen Zhao1
1State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|January 15, 2026
Summary
Trace tetraethylenepentamine (TEP) addition significantly improves aqueous zinc-iodine batteries by preventing zinc corrosion and polyiodide shuttle. This enables long-term, stable cycling and high-capacity retention for sustainable energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-iodine (Zn-I2) batteries offer cost-effectiveness and safety.
- Key challenges include zinc anode corrosion and the polyiodide shuttle effect, limiting battery lifespan and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of trace tetraethylenepentamine (TEP) as an additive to mitigate degradation issues in Zn-I2 batteries.
- To enhance the stability and cycling life of Zn-I2 batteries under high-loading conditions.
Main Methods:
- TEP was added to the aqueous electrolyte of Zn-I2 batteries.
- Electrochemical performance, including cycling stability and capacity retention, was evaluated.
- Surface adsorption and ion dynamics at the zinc anode and iodine cathode interfaces were analyzed.
Main Results:
- TEP effectively suppressed zinc anode corrosion and the polyiodide shuttle effect.
- Dendrite-free zinc deposition was achieved due to optimized interfacial ion dynamics.
- Enhanced utilization of the iodine cathode was observed, leading to improved battery performance.
- The Zn||Zn battery demonstrated stable cycling over 2333 hours.
- A Zn-I2 battery with high iodine loading retained 91.3% capacity after 8900 cycles.
Conclusions:
- Trace TEP addition is a viable strategy for developing sustainable, long-life aqueous Zn-I2 batteries.
- TEP's unique N-H proton array and Lewis base properties are crucial for regulating the battery's running environment.
- This approach offers a new pathway for advancing high-performance rechargeable batteries.
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