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Dynamic Adaptive Interfaces Enable Zn-Iodine Hydrogel Batteries with High Areal Capacity and Low Self-Discharge
Da-Qian Cai1,2, Hao Wu3, Jin-Lin Yang2,4
1Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme, Graduate College, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Hydrogel electrolytes in zinc-iodine batteries improve stability and capacity. An in situ interface strategy enhances performance, enabling long cycle life and high energy density for advanced battery applications.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Liquid zinc-iodine batteries (ZIBs) face limitations from self-discharge and shuttle effects.
- Hydrogel electrolytes offer biocompatibility and flexibility but struggle with interfacial stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust interface for high-iodine-loading hydrogel ZIBs.
- To improve interfacial adhesion and ion transport pathways.
- To mitigate self-discharge and enhance cycle life.
Main Methods:
- An in situ integration strategy was employed to create chemo-mechanical dynamically adaptive interfaces.
- Polycatecholamine was used on the anode side for adhesion and interphase formation.
- Hydrogel infiltration into the cathode formed a low-tortuosity ion transport pathway.
Main Results:
- Achieved low self-discharge (∼20% loss after 200 h).
- Enabled high areal capacity (∼12.5 mAh cm-2) in thick cathodes.
- Demonstrated over 2200 cycles with negligible capacity decay (0.0063% per cycle) at ∼5 mAh cm-2.
Conclusions:
- The dual-role interface strategy effectively addresses interfacial instability in hydrogel ZIBs.
- This approach unlocks the potential for high-performance, long-lasting zinc-iodine batteries.
- The developed technology is promising for advanced energy storage solutions.
