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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
Published on: September 29, 2020
Multidentate polar interactions enable ultralow-dosage electrolyte additives for stabilizing Zn-I2 batteries.
Junlin Shi1, Jiapei Li2, Yongze Kan1
1Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Energy Materials Chemistry of Ministry of Education & Hubei Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, 430074, China. wushuilin@mail.scuec.edu.cn.
This study introduces a novel strategy for stabilizing aqueous zinc-iodine (Zn-I2) batteries using ultralow concentrations of electrolyte additives. D-glucuronamide effectively regulates the interface, enhancing battery performance and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous Zn-I2 batteries face challenges with electrolyte additive concentration for stability.
- High additive levels are typically needed for efficient interfacial regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate effective interfacial regulation in Zn-I2 batteries at ultralow additive concentrations.
- To investigate the mechanism of multidentate polar interactions for battery stabilization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized D-glucuronamide as a model additive at 1 mM concentration.
- Investigated cooperative interactions between the additive, Zn surface, and polyiodide species.
- Evaluated battery performance through cycling tests and capacity retention measurements.
Main Results:
- Achieved 99.93% Coulombic efficiency over 5000 cycles.
- Maintained 92% capacity retention over 10,000 cycles.
- Demonstrated simultaneous stabilization of Zn deposition and suppression of polyiodide shuttling.
Conclusions:
- Multidentate polar interactions enable high interfacial activity with minimal additive dosage.
- This strategy offers a pathway to high-performance, cost-effective aqueous Zn-I2 batteries.
- Ultralow additive concentrations can overcome key limitations in Zn-I2 battery technology.
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