Dynamically Adaptive Interfacial Chemistry <i>via</i> Molecular Programming for Sustainable Zn Batteries
Artificial interfacial layers represent a promising strategy for enhancing reversible Zn redox through spatial regulation of mass-electron transport. However, intrinsic dynamic degradation of the interface, coupled with parasitic side reactions, continues to compromise long-term electrochemical stability. Herein, we engineered a mechanically adaptive ionic liquid interphase that simultaneously suppresses dendrite growth and corrosion. Crucially, this interphase dynamically self-reconfigures during cycling to maintain structural and functional integrity <i>via</i> zincophilic coordination and hydrophobic shielding. The engineered Zn anode achieves exceptional cyclability, operating for 200 h at 30 mAh cm<sup>-2</sup> and delivering 5400 mAh cumulative capacity at 20 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>. Superior thermodynamic stability enables record-long 4400 h operation at 1 mA cm<sup>-2</sup> with minimal polarization (30 mV). The deformation-adaptive architecture sustains >500% capacity retention enhancement in 30 cm<sup>2</sup> pouch cells under multiaxial stress. Paired with an I<sub>2</sub> cathode, the full battery retains 86% capacity after 30000 high-rate cycles at 10 A g<sup>-1</sup>. <i>Operando</i> spectroscopy and theoretical simulations uncover that bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions establish ordered nucleation templates, while 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cations form dynamic hydrophobic barriers blocking water. This work integrates zincophilic-hydrophobic coordination with self-adaptive interfacial layers for practical Zn batteries.
Authors
- Zelin Chang
- Chunyi Zhi
- Hao Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6881-9977)
- Wenyu Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3911-615X)
- Qi Yang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6781-770X)
- Xinliang Li
- Hongbo Ding
- Binfen Wang
Institutions
- Zhengzhou University (CN)
- Energy Storage Systems (United States) (US)
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering (CN)
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology (CN)
- University of Hong Kong (HK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Published
- 2026-02-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c21500
- Primary Topic
- Advanced battery technologies research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00