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Zwitterionic Polymer Micelles Enable Interface Regulation for Long-Life Aqueous Zinc-Iodine Batteries
Yuxin Zhu1, Weixuan Shu1, Junpeng Li2
1State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
Nano Letters
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a polymer micelle strategy to improve aqueous zinc-iodine batteries. This method enhances zinc deposition and reduces polyiodide shuttling, leading to significantly improved battery stability and performance for safer, low-cost energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-iodine batteries offer a safe and cost-effective energy storage solution.
- Practical application is limited by zinc dendrite formation and polyiodide ion (In-) shuttling.
- Interfacial instability at the zinc electrode hinders long-term battery cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an interfacial regulation strategy for enhancing zinc-iodine battery performance.
- To suppress zinc dendrite growth and mitigate the polyiodide shuttle effect.
- To improve the stability and longevity of aqueous zinc-iodine batteries.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of a zwitterionic polymer with imidazole-sulfonate and acrylamide units.
- Self-assembly of the polymer into nanoscale micelles in zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) electrolyte.
- Adsorption of polymer micelles onto the zinc electrode surface to form a multifunctional interface layer.
- Characterization of the interface layer's effect on Zn2+ solvation, water activity, zinc deposition, and polyiodide immobilization.
Main Results:
- The polymer micelle interface layer successfully reconstructed Zn2+ solvation and reduced water activity.
- Uniform zinc deposition was achieved, suppressing dendrites and electrode corrosion.
- Multivalent interactions within the micelles effectively immobilized polyiodide species, mitigating the shuttle effect.
- Zn||Zn symmetric cells demonstrated stable cycling for over 5000 hours.
- Zn-I2 pouch cells maintained 93.3% capacity after 100 cycles with high iodine loading (33.06 mg cm-2).
Conclusions:
- Polymer micelle self-assembly is an effective strategy for interfacial engineering in zinc-iodine batteries.
- The developed multifunctional interface layer significantly enhances battery cycling stability and performance.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for developing safer and more durable aqueous zinc-iodine energy storage systems.
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