Work

Asymmetric Electrolytes Govern Tetrahydroxozincate Dynamics for Stable Alkaline Zinc Batteries

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Green electrochemical energy storage is essential for carbon neutrality, and alkaline zinc batteries offer a compelling solution due to their inherent safety, low cost, and high energy density. However, their performance is limited by parasitic reactions, including corrosion, gas evolution, and slow Zn/ZnO conversion kinetics stemming from inefficient dissociation of the tetrahydroxozincate [Zn(OH) 4 2− ] intermediate. We address this by designing a series of cobalt porphyrins (Co‐4N, Co‐3N‐O, Co‐3N‐S) that modulate the metal center's charge density for accelerating Zn(OH) 4 2 − decomposition, and control Zn 2 + transport through the carboxyl‐functionalized peripheries. The Co‐3N‐O‐modified electrolyte achieves exceptional stability, maintaining stable cycle for over 80,000 s at 5 mA cm − 2 , which is more than four times longer than the <20,000 s achieved by the conventional KOH + ZnO electrolyte. In Zn||Ni batteries, this molecularly engineered electrolyte enables 110 stable cycles at 1 mA cm −2 , significantly outperforming the unmodified system, which sustained only 20 cycles. These findings elucidate a structure‐kinetics relationship for zincate regulation and demonstrate how customized molecular asymmetry can overcome persistent challenges in aqueous battery chemistry, offering a pathway to high‐performance, durable energy storage systems.

Source: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

DOI: 10.1002/anie.202524438

Authors: Xianhong Chen, Yang Wang, Jiaxiong Zhu, Chunyi Zhi, Wai‐Yeung Wong

Institutions: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Hong Kong

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: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,510