Synergistic Construction of In Situ Self-Polymerized Interface and Localized pH Buffer Zone for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Iodine Batteries.

ABSTRACT: Aqueous zinc-iodine (Zn-I₂) batteries are promising for large-scale energy storage. However, their practical use is hindered by challenges such as Zn dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), corrosion, and polyiodide shuttle effect. In this study, valerolactam (VL) is employed as an organic pH buffer to address these issues. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that VL can regulate the electrolyte local pH while in situ polymerizing on the electrode surface to form a mechanically stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) protection layer, effectively suppressing HER, corrosion, and dendrite growth. Furthermore, the introduction of VL significantly regulates the solvation structure of Zn²⁺, and disrupts the inherent hydrogen bonding network, whic

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12535400 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature