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Engineering Ferroelectric Dipole Superstructure via Phase Transformation for Stable Zinc Anodes
Canglong Li1,2, Tiancheng You2, Changding Wang3
1School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|April 13, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel hybrid layer that stabilizes zinc anodes in aqueous zinc ion batteries. The layer effectively suppresses dendrite growth, enhancing battery lifespan and performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) face commercialization challenges due to unstable Zn anodes, leading to dendrite growth and side reactions.
- Ferroelectric polymers like PVDF can regulate ion flux but commonly exhibit random dipole alignment, limiting their effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a strategy for enhancing the stability of Zn anodes in AZIBs.
- To improve the performance and longevity of AZIBs by addressing interface instability.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of zinc sulfide (ZnS) as a filler into PVDF to induce a phase transformation to the polar β-phase.
- Formation of a dipole-enhanced hybrid layer (DEHL) with aligned β-phase nanocrystalline domains.
- Protection of the Zn anode with the DEHL (DEHL@Zn) and testing in symmetric and full battery configurations.
Main Results:
- The DEHL generates a strong built-in electric field that guides Zn2+ ions and repels SO4 2- anions, suppressing dendrites and byproducts.
- The DEHL@Zn anode demonstrated exceptional cycling stability over 1800 hours in a Zn//Zn symmetric cell at 5 mA cm-2.
- Full batteries with NVO and I2 cathodes achieved over 2300 and 11 000 cycles, respectively, with high specific capacities.
Conclusions:
- The ZnS-induced β-phase PVDF hybrid layer is a highly effective strategy for stabilizing Zn anodes in AZIBs.
- The developed DEHL@Zn anode significantly enhances cycling stability and longevity for AZIB applications.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for the commercialization of high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries.
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