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Updated: May 21, 2026
06:58
Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
Published on: September 29, 2020
Intercalation-Coupled Zn2+ Transfer Enables Reversible ZnS Conversion in Aqueous Zn-S Batteries.
Shichao Yu1,2,3, Mingli Wang3, Cong Wang2
1Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, China.
Nano Letters
|May 19, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel catalytic strategy for aqueous Zinc-Sulfur (Zn-S) batteries. Manganese hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF) within polypyrrole (PPy) nanoreactors enhances ZnS reoxidation, boosting battery performance and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous Zn-S batteries are safe and cost-effective but suffer from limited capacity and efficiency due to slow ZnS reoxidation and cathode passivation.
- Developing advanced cathode materials is crucial for improving Zn-S battery performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an effective catalytic strategy to overcome the limitations of ZnS reoxidation and cathode passivation in aqueous Zn-S batteries.
- To enhance the electrochemical performance and cycle life of Zn-S batteries.
Main Methods:
- An intercalation-coupled redox catalysis strategy was employed using manganese hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF) confined in polypyrrole (PPy) nanoreactors.
- The MnHCF acted as a catalyst to mediate ZnS reoxidation by coupling with prezincation/deintercalation, driving Zn2+ from ZnS to MnHCF.
Main Results:
- The catalytic strategy significantly improved Zn2+ mobility, reduced charge-transfer resistance, and prevented cathode passivation.
- The cathode achieved high capacities of 1245 mAh g-1 at 0.4 A g-1 and 928 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1, with excellent capacity retention over 400 cycles.
- Practical pouch cells demonstrated high energy density (86 Wh kg-1) and wearable microbatteries achieved high areal energy density (563 μWh cm-2).
Conclusions:
- The developed MnHCF/PPy nanoreactor system provides an effective catalytic approach for high-energy and long-life aqueous Zn-S batteries.
- This strategy offers a promising pathway for advancing next-generation energy storage solutions.
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