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Electron-Switching Astaxanthin Enables Programmable Triple-Phase Interface Chemistry for High-Loading All-Solid-State
Zhiyuan Chen1, Hao Liu2, Yecheng Yan3
1Key Laboratory of Carbon Materials of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Astaxanthin (AXT) stabilizes interfaces in all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) by modulating electron pathways and buffering volume changes. This biomolecular approach enhances sulfur redox kinetics and durability for high-energy-density solid-state batteries.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) offer high energy density and safety.
- Performance is limited by unstable interfaces between sulfur, carbon, and solid electrolytes.
- This instability causes poor kinetics, hindered charge transport, and degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address interface instability in ASSLSBs using a biomolecular strategy.
- To investigate astaxanthin (AXT) as an electron-switching interfacial regulator.
- To improve sulfur redox kinetics, charge transport, and mechanical stability.
Main Methods:
- Experimental and theoretical analysis of AXT-modified interfaces.
- Investigating AXT's effect on electrolyte decomposition pathways and Li2S formation.
- Evaluating AXT's role in Li+ transport and intermediate stabilization.
- Assessing AXT's function as a scaffold for volume fluctuation buffering.
Main Results:
- AXT modulates electrolyte decomposition via an "electron pocket" effect, favoring Li2S formation.
- Polar oxygen groups in AXT create pathways for enhanced Li+ transport and stabilized intermediates.
- AXT's structure buffers volume changes, maintaining interfacial integrity.
- AXT-modified ASSLSBs achieved 16.56 mAh cm-2 areal capacity at 9.49 mg cm-2 sulfur loading.
Conclusions:
- Biomolecular strategy using AXT effectively regulates interfaces in ASSLSBs.
- AXT enhances electrochemical performance, kinetics, and durability.
- This work presents a paradigm for interface engineering in solid-state batteries.
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