Nanophase-Separated Block Copolymer Layers Enabling Stable Zinc Metal Batteries

Xin Yang; Uiseok Hwang; Zongfu An; Jejun Baek; Jaewon Cho; Kaiwei Yang; Sul Ki Park; Soochan Kim

doi:10.1002/smll.202407262

Nanophase-Separated Block Copolymer Layers Enabling Stable Zinc Metal Batteries

Xin Yang
, Uiseok Hwang
, Zongfu An
, Jejun Baek
, Jaewon Cho
, Kaiwei Yang
, Sul Ki Park
, Soochan Kim

Department of Chemical Engineering

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries are promising and efficient energy storage systems owing to their low cost, high safety, and satisfactory capacity. However, the instability of Zn metal anodes, caused by dendritic growth and parasitic side reactions, hinders their practical application. In this study, a nanophase-separated block copolymer layer that enhances the reversibility of Zn metal anodes is introduced. This layer consists of two components: a high-performance engineering-plastic-based hydrophobic block exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability, and a hydrophilic block that significantly improves the interfacial stability of the anode by selectively permeating Zn ions through the separated nanophase channels. Through an improved electrochemical system and scalable fabrication process, this block copolymer provides a feasible approach for the practical application of Zn metal anodes in aqueous energy storage systems.

Original language	English
Article number	2407262
Journal	Small
Volume	20
Issue number	50
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202407262
State	Published - 12 Dec 2024

Keywords

block copolymer
engineering plastics
long-life cycling
nanophase separation
zinc dendrite

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10.1002/smll.202407262

Cite this

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abstract = "Aqueous Zn-ion batteries are promising and efficient energy storage systems owing to their low cost, high safety, and satisfactory capacity. However, the instability of Zn metal anodes, caused by dendritic growth and parasitic side reactions, hinders their practical application. In this study, a nanophase-separated block copolymer layer that enhances the reversibility of Zn metal anodes is introduced. This layer consists of two components: a high-performance engineering-plastic-based hydrophobic block exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability, and a hydrophilic block that significantly improves the interfacial stability of the anode by selectively permeating Zn ions through the separated nanophase channels. Through an improved electrochemical system and scalable fabrication process, this block copolymer provides a feasible approach for the practical application of Zn metal anodes in aqueous energy storage systems.",

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T1 - Nanophase-Separated Block Copolymer Layers Enabling Stable Zinc Metal Batteries

AU - Yang, Xin

AU - Hwang, Uiseok

AU - An, Zongfu

AU - Baek, Jejun

AU - Cho, Jaewon

AU - Yang, Kaiwei

AU - Park, Sul Ki

AU - Kim, Soochan

PY - 2024/12/12

Y1 - 2024/12/12

N2 - Aqueous Zn-ion batteries are promising and efficient energy storage systems owing to their low cost, high safety, and satisfactory capacity. However, the instability of Zn metal anodes, caused by dendritic growth and parasitic side reactions, hinders their practical application. In this study, a nanophase-separated block copolymer layer that enhances the reversibility of Zn metal anodes is introduced. This layer consists of two components: a high-performance engineering-plastic-based hydrophobic block exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability, and a hydrophilic block that significantly improves the interfacial stability of the anode by selectively permeating Zn ions through the separated nanophase channels. Through an improved electrochemical system and scalable fabrication process, this block copolymer provides a feasible approach for the practical application of Zn metal anodes in aqueous energy storage systems.

AB - Aqueous Zn-ion batteries are promising and efficient energy storage systems owing to their low cost, high safety, and satisfactory capacity. However, the instability of Zn metal anodes, caused by dendritic growth and parasitic side reactions, hinders their practical application. In this study, a nanophase-separated block copolymer layer that enhances the reversibility of Zn metal anodes is introduced. This layer consists of two components: a high-performance engineering-plastic-based hydrophobic block exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability, and a hydrophilic block that significantly improves the interfacial stability of the anode by selectively permeating Zn ions through the separated nanophase channels. Through an improved electrochemical system and scalable fabrication process, this block copolymer provides a feasible approach for the practical application of Zn metal anodes in aqueous energy storage systems.

KW - block copolymer

KW - engineering plastics

KW - long-life cycling

KW - nanophase separation

KW - zinc dendrite

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85204451352

U2 - 10.1002/smll.202407262

DO - 10.1002/smll.202407262

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SN - 1613-6810

VL - 20

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JF - Small

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ER -

Nanophase-Separated Block Copolymer Layers Enabling Stable Zinc Metal Batteries

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Keywords

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