Efficient catalytic sulfur conversion in aqueous zinc-sulfur batteries mediated by iodide-coupled ether groups

Abstract

A novel aqueous electrolyte incorporating tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (G4) and trace amounts of ZnI₂ (HSG-I) is presented to enhance the sulfur conversion reversibility. G4 improves kinetics, stabilizes the interfaces, and enables uniform zinc deposition. Crucially, G4's ether groups coordinate I⁻, mediating reversible I⁻/I₃⁻ transformation to ensure efficient sulfur redox chemistry.