Work

Dual-functional Fe3O4-decorated porous carbon nanosheets for kinetics-enhanced aqueous zinc–iodine batteries

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aqueous rechargeable zinc-iodine batteries (ARZIBs) are highlighted as a favorable solution for energy storage in view of their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Nonetheless, the practical implementation of ARZIBs is challenged by the sluggish iodine reduction reaction kinetics as well as the shuttling behavior of the soluble polyiodide substances. Herein, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon nanosheets (Fe 3 O 4 NPs@PCNs) with high specific surface area (1407.8 m 2 g -1 ) are produced as the iodine host for ARZIB. This structure not only enhances iodine adsorption but also supports the electrocatalytic process for the reversible conversion of iodine. Both experimental evidence and theoretical analyses highlight the presence of the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles can be effective in accelerating the iodine reduction reaction reversibly, while simultaneously mitigating the shuttle effect of polyiodide ions. Consequently, the resultant ARZIBs exhibit a specific capacity of 269.8 mAh g -1 at 0.5 A g -1 , with 85% of this capacity contributed by the discharge platform. Additionally, the ARZIBs demonstrate rate capabilities, delivering 211.1 mAh g -1 at 20 A g -1 , minimal self-discharge, and cycling stability for 15,000 cycles. This performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the catalytic activity of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and the physical confinement provided by the carbon framework. The findings of this study illuminate the critical aspect of Fe 3 O 4 in transforming the non-polar carbon material into an efficient iodine host, paving the way for the realization of reversible ARZIBs.

Source: Green Carbon

DOI: 10.1016/j.greenca.2025.06.005

Authors: Dewei Wang, Xiangyu Kong, Zuoshu Wang, Xinyang Zhang, Jie Zhang, Yuhong Chen

Institution: North Minzu University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced battery technologies research

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia Province