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Solid-state Graft Copolymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications
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Molecular Polarity Attenuation Tailors Weak Solvation Structure with Accelerated Kinetics and Robust SEI for
Lidong Yu1, Kefeng Ouyang2,3, Jin Hu1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new electrolyte additive for aqueous zinc-ion batteries, improving performance and stability. This strategy enhances reaction kinetics and interfacial properties for practical energy storage solutions.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are crucial for large-scale energy storage.
- Current limitations include slow reaction kinetics, uneven reactions, and interface instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the performance of large-format aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
- To address challenges in kinetics and interfacial stability using electrolyte modification.
Main Methods:
- A molecular polarity-weakening strategy was employed for electrolyte additives.
- This approach customized solvation structure and created a hybrid solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).
Main Results:
- A Zn||Zn symmetric cell demonstrated 352 hours of stable cycling at 40 mAh cm⁻².
- A 100 cm² Zn||I₂ full battery achieved 9.8 mAh cm⁻² areal capacity and 400 hours of stable cycling.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic regulation of solvation and SEI is effective for Zn metal batteries.
- This method enables high-performance, stable, and practical aqueous zinc-ion energy storage.
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