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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:58
Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
Published on: September 29, 2020
Coupling solvation structure and interfacial environment toward wide-temperature durable zinc anodes
Xueying Su1,2, ZiHao Liu2, Menghan Lin2
1State Centre for International Cooperation on Designer Low-Carbon & Environmental Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China. luohao_hit@163.com.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 29, 2026
Summary
A novel bifunctional additive (LMEO) enhances aqueous zinc battery performance by controlling ion behavior and suppressing unwanted reactions. This leads to improved stability and durability across various temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc batteries offer a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
- Dendrite formation and parasitic reactions remain significant challenges hindering the practical application of zinc batteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a bifunctional ether-ester additive (LMEO) for simultaneous modulation of Zn²⁺ solvation and interfacial chemistry.
- To investigate the additive's impact on suppressing parasitic reactions and promoting uniform zinc deposition.
Main Methods:
- Rational design and synthesis of the bifunctional ether-ester additive (LMEO).
- Electrochemical characterization including cycling tests at a wide temperature range.
- Analysis of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and zinc deposition behavior.
Main Results:
- The LMEO additive effectively reconstructs the interfacial chemistry in aqueous zinc batteries.
- Suppression of water-induced parasitic reactions and homogenization of zinc deposition were observed.
- Inhibition of dendritic growth and significant enhancement of zinc reversibility and cycling durability were achieved.
Conclusions:
- The bifunctional LMEO additive is a promising strategy for advancing aqueous zinc battery technology.
- Simultaneous control over solvation structure and interfacial microenvironment is key to overcoming current limitations.
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