Construction of Bio‐inspired Film with Engineered Hydrophobicity to Boost Interfacial Reaction Kinetics of Aqueous Zinc–Ion Batteries. Issue 24 (13th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gou, Qianzhi; Luo, Haoran; Zheng, Yujie; Zhang, Qi; Li, Chen; Wang, Jiacheng; Odunmbaku, Omololu; Zheng, Jing; Xue, Junmin; Sun, Kuan; Li, Meng
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 18:Issue 24(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-05-13
• Subjects: aqueous zinc‐ion batteries -- bio‐inspired films -- cathode dissolution -- interfacial reaction kinetics; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201732
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: Aqueous zinc–ion batteries typically suffer from sluggish interfacial reaction kinetics and drastic cathode dissolution owing to the desolvation process of hydrated Zn 2+ and continual adsorption/desorption behavior of water molecules, respectively. To address these obstacles, a bio‐inspired approach, which exploits the moderate metabolic energy of cell systems and the amphiphilic nature of plasma membranes, is employed to construct a bio‐inspired hydrophobic conductive poly(3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) film decorating α‐MnO2 cathode. Like plasma membranes, the bio‐inspired film can "selectively" boost Zn 2+ migration with a lower energy barrier and maintain the integrity of the entire cathode. Electrochemical reaction kinetics analysis and theoretical calculations reveal that the bio‐inspired film can significantly improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode, endow the cathode–electrolyte interface with engineered hydrophobicity, and enhance the desolvation behavior of hydrated Zn 2+ . This results in an enhanced ion diffusion rate and minimized cathode dissolution, thereby boosting the overall interfacial reaction kinetics and cathode stability. Owing to these intriguing merits, the composite cathode can demonstrate remarkable cycling stability and rate performance in comparison with the pristine MnO2 cathode. Based on the bio‐inspired design philosophy, this work can provide a novel insight for future research on promoting the interfacial reaction kinetics and electrode stability for various battery systems. Abstract : Owing to the undesired water activity, the cathode of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries suffers from inferior reaction kinetics. Inspired by the amphiphilic nature of cell membranes, a poly(3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) film with engineered hydrophobicity is decorated on the hydrophilic MnO2 cathode. In combination with experimental tests and theoretical simulation, this bio‐inspired film can efficiently improve the performance for the overall battery system.