Dual‐Cation Solvation Polymer Gel for Ultra‐Stable Zn Anodes in Rechargeable Flexible Zn‐Air Batteries
Abstract
Abstract In semi‐open rechargeable flexible zinc‐air batteries (RFZABs), the polymer gel electrolyte, influenced by high‐water‐activity solvation structures during cycling, experiences slow ion conduction and severe dendrite growth, significantly reducing the durability of the zinc anode. This limits its application and development in wearable RFZABs. Thus, modifying the traditional single Zn 2+ solvation structure is crucial for enhancing anode stability. Here, a dual‐cation solvation strategy is proposed that fundamentally redefines polymer gel electrolyte chemistry and zinc deposition behavior. By incorporating L‐cystine (Lcys) as a dynamic modulator within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix, Zn 2+ and Zr 4+ are coordinated to form a robust dual‐metal solvation network, which imparts multiple functional advantages: i) competitive solvation by Zr 4+ lowers water activity in the Zn 2+ coordination shell, effectively suppressing dendritic growth; ii) weakened PVA chain interactions create a “sliding‐rail” dynamic solvation structure enhancing Zn 2+ migration; and iii) solvated Zr 4+ and Zr 3 Zn 1 [(OH) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] 4 8+ clusters cooperatively promotes uniform Zn deposition along the (002) crystal plane. As a result, Zn//Zn symmetric cells exhibit an ultralong cycling lifespan of 1628 h, and RFZABs demonstrate stable operation for over 212 h. This dual‐cation solvation design offers a scalable and effective pathway for advancing durable, high‐performance flexible energy storage systems.
Article Details
Authors (13)
Haihan Li
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics Key Laboratory of UV Light‐Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education School of Physics Northeast Normal University 5268 Renmin Street Changchun 130024 China
Tianyu Qiu
Xinghua Li
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics School of Physics Key Laboratory of UV Light‐Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education Northeast Normal University Changchun China
Jiaxing Li
Institute of Photochemistry and Photofunctional Materials
Meiyi Lu
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics Key Laboratory of UV Light‐Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education School of Physics Northeast Normal University 5268 Renmin Street Changchun 130024 China
Weijian Shi
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics Key Laboratory of UV Light‐Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education School of Physics Northeast Normal University 5268 Renmin Street Changchun 130024 China
Mengxia Cui
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics School of Physics Key Laboratory of UV Light‐Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education Northeast Normal University Changchun China
Xinjin Gao
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics Key Laboratory of UV Light‐Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education School of Physics Northeast Normal University 5268 Renmin Street Changchun 130024 China
Baofan Dong
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics Key Laboratory of UV Light‐Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education School of Physics Northeast Normal University 5268 Renmin Street Changchun 130024 China
Xiaowei Li
College of Chemistry, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Radiation Physics and Technology of Ministry of Education
Huaqiao Tan
Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Chemistry
Changlu Shao
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics School of Physics Key Laboratory of UV Light‐Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education Northeast Normal University Changchun China
Yichun Liu