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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
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Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
Published on: September 29, 2020
Coupling nitrogen-doped carbon and an optimized electrolyte for high-performance aqueous Zn-S batteries
Qiquan Zhang1, Yiqi Liu1, Kai Yan1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, P. R. China. hengzhang@just.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|August 10, 2026
Summary
A novel MOF-derived nitrogen-doped carbon material and cosolvent electrolyte boost aqueous zinc-sulfur battery performance. This approach accelerates sulfur conversion and stabilizes the zinc anode for extended cycling.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-sulfur (Zn-S) batteries face limitations due to poor sulfur conductivity and slow conversion kinetics.
- These challenges hinder their practical application in energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced electrode material and electrolyte system for high-performance aqueous Zn-S batteries.
- To overcome the intrinsic limitations of sulfur utilization and zinc anode stability.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized MOF-derived nitrogen-doped carbon (N-C) as a sulfur host.
- Developed a cosolvent-regulated electrolyte to enhance ion transport and stabilize the Zn anode.
- Fabricated and tested aqueous Zn-S battery cells.
Main Results:
- The N-C material facilitated accelerated sulfur conversion kinetics.
- The cosolvent electrolyte effectively suppressed polysulfide shuttling and stabilized the Zn anode.
- The optimized Zn-S battery demonstrated high rate capability and a stable 1200-cycle lifespan.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic combination of MOF-derived N-C and cosolvent electrolyte is a promising strategy for high-performance aqueous Zn-S batteries.
- This work offers a viable pathway for developing next-generation rechargeable batteries with improved energy density and longevity.
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