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.

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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
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article

Dynamically Adaptive Interfacial Chemistry via Molecular Programming for Sustainable Zn Batteries

Zelin Chang, Chunyi Zhi, Hao Wang, Wenyu Xu et al.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Advanced battery technologies research
article

Dynamically Adaptive Interfacial Chemistry via Molecular Programming for Sustainable Zn Batteries

Zelin Chang, Chunyi Zhi, Hao Wang, Wenyu Xu, Qi Yang, Xinliang Li, Hongbo Ding, Binfen Wang
article en

Abstract

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.

Journal of the American Chemical SocietyVol. 148(7)
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)
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 56%
Advanced battery technologies research
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