Dynamic Modulation of Keto‐Enol Tautomerism in Electrolytes for Aqueous Zinc Batteries

L Li Song X Xiaolong Yang X Xinhua Zheng (Department of Applied Chemistry School of Chemistry and Materials Science University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China) M Mingming Wang (Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale) R Ruihao Luo (Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale) T Taoli Jiang (Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale) G Guili Zhao (Department of Applied Chemistry School of Chemistry and Materials Science Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China) D Dongyang Shen (Department of Applied Chemistry School of Chemistry and Materials Science Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China) L Lyuzhou Ye (Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China 1 , Hefei, Anhui 230026,) W Wei Chen

Abstract

Abstract The reversibility of zinc (Zn) anode is subject to adverse reactions. Herein we design a dynamic modulation strategy via enol‐keto tautomerism to inhibit the side reactions, thus improving the reversibility of the Zn anode. Density functional theory calculations and experimental results demonstrate the keto form of additives can be adsorbed on the Zn anode, inhibiting dendrite growth, while the enol form can serve as a bidentate ligand to participate in the construction of solvation sheath for Zn 2+ , enhancing the kinetics of Zn 2+ transport, simultaneously suppressing water activity and reducing HER and corrosion. Consequently, the Zn anode with optimal electrolyte additive achieves high reversibility, where Zn||Zn symmetric cells operate over 4000 h at 10 mA cm −2 /10 mAh cm −2 , and Zn||Cu asymmetric cells have a life for 930 h at 10 mA cm −2 /10 mAh cm −2 . Further, this dynamic modulation enables Zn||V 2 O 5 full cells to work over 5000 cycles with a capacity retention of 83% at 5 A g −1 , and the Zn||Br 2 pouch cells deliver a high capacity of ∼180 mAh. This study offers an original perspective on the dynamic regulation of electrolytes for Zn anode.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 64, Issue 25
Published June 17, 2025
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (10)

L

Li Song

X

Xiaolong Yang

X

Xinhua Zheng

Department of Applied Chemistry School of Chemistry and Materials Science University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China

M

Mingming Wang

Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale

R

Ruihao Luo

Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale

T

Taoli Jiang

Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale

G

Guili Zhao

Department of Applied Chemistry School of Chemistry and Materials Science Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China

D

Dongyang Shen

Department of Applied Chemistry School of Chemistry and Materials Science Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China

L

Lyuzhou Ye

Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China 1 , Hefei, Anhui 230026,

W

Wei Chen