Issue 20, 2025

Design of cellulosic poly(ionic liquid)s with a hydrogen bond/ion dual regulation mechanism for highly reversible Zn anodes

Abstract

The unstable electrode/electrolyte interface with erratic zinc (Zn) deposition, severe dendritic growth and parasitic side reactions deteriorates the reversibility, tolerance and sustainability of aqueous Zn ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, an imidazolium-based cellulosic poly(ionic liquid) ([CellMim]+) additive with a hydrogen bond/ion dual regulation mechanism for aqueous electrolyte is designed and prepared via a transesterification reaction by considering particular solvent properties. The water-rich Zn anode interface is significantly optimized by hydrogen bond (HB) formation and preferential adsorption of [CellMim]+. Additionally, the overfed Zn2+ ions are modulated by [CellMim]+ cations though electrostatic repulsion, fostering uniform Zn deposition and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Notably, the Zn‖Zn cells with [CellMim]+ modified Zn(OTf)2 electrolyte exhibit a long cycle life over 1800 h at 1 mA cm−2 and a high cumulative capacity of 3700 mA h cm−2 at 10 mA cm−2 with 56.9% Zn utilization rate (ZUR). Intriguingly, this electrolyte demonstrates a remarkable durability of 260 h at 8 mA cm−2 with 22.77% ZUR for a 9 cm2 pouch cell. These results highlight the great potential of cellulosic derivatives in battery applications and offer valuable insights into the design of sustainable aqueous electrolyte additives for AZIBs.

Graphical abstract: Design of cellulosic poly(ionic liquid)s with a hydrogen bond/ion dual regulation mechanism for highly reversible Zn anodes

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Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
26 guov 2025
Accepted
09 cuo 2025
First published
09 cuo 2025
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 8648-8660

Design of cellulosic poly(ionic liquid)s with a hydrogen bond/ion dual regulation mechanism for highly reversible Zn anodes

K. Chen, Y. Xu, H. Li, Y. Li, L. Zhang, Y. Guo, Q. Xu, Y. Li and H. Xie, Chem. Sci., 2025, 16, 8648 DOI: 10.1039/D5SC01555C

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