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Published on: September 29, 2020
Molecule-Adsorption-Induced Interface Micro-environment Regulating for Highly Stable Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Jinlong Zhang1, Xueyao Wei1, Qing Wu1
1Department of Polymeric Materials & Engineering, College of Materials & Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China.
Polymer Science & Technology (Washington, D.C.)
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Ellagic acid (Ea) stabilizes aqueous zinc batteries by regulating the electrical double layer (EDL). This molecule-adsorption strategy enhances zinc plating/stripping reversibility and battery lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) face challenges with irreversible zinc plating/stripping and unstable interfaces due to side reactions.
- The electrical double layer (EDL) plays a critical role in interface stability but is prone to fluctuations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To stabilize the zinc electrode/electrolyte interface in AZIBs.
- To improve the reversibility and lifespan of AZIBs using a novel interface regulation strategy.
Main Methods:
- Introducing Ellagic acid (Ea) into the electrolyte to modify the electrical double layer (EDL).
- Investigating the preferential adsorption of Ea on the Zn (002) facet to form a protective interface layer.
- Evaluating the performance of Zn//Zn symmetric cells, Zn//Cu half cells, and Zn//MnO2 full cells.
Main Results:
- Ellagic acid forms a physical barrier on the Zn anode, shielding against water/protons and promoting uniform Zn2+ transport.
- Zn//Zn symmetric cells achieved over 300 hours of cycling under varying current densities.
- Zn//Cu half cells showed 99.53% Coulombic efficiency over 1000 cycles.
- Zn//MnO2 full cells retained 72.9% capacity after 2000 cycles.
Conclusions:
- Molecule-adsorption-induced EDL regulation is an effective strategy for stabilizing AZIB interfaces.
- Ellagic acid significantly enhances the electrochemical performance and cycle life of AZIBs.
- This work provides insights into EDL regulation for developing high-performance AZIBs.
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