Flexible Electron-Rich Ion Channels Enable Ultrafast and Stable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Storage

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are regarded as a promising candidate for ultrafast charge storage owing to the high ionic conductivity of aqueous electrolytes and high theoretical capacity of zinc metal anodes. However, the strong electrostatic interaction between high-charge-density zinc ions and host materials generally leads to sluggish ion-transport kinetics and structural collapse of rigid cathode materials during the charge/discharge process, so searching for suitable cathode materials for ultrafast and long-term stable ZIBs remains a great challenge. Herein, flexible electron-rich ion channels enabling fast-charging and stable aqueous ZIBs have been demonstrated. Because of the nitrogen-rich conjugated structure of organic phenazine (PNZ) molecules, electron-rich ion channels are formed with the C=N redox centers situated on the channel surface, where zinc ions can transport rapidly and react with active moieties directly. Meanwhile, the pi-conjugated systems and inherent flexibility of PNZ molecules can accommodate rapid strain changes and maintain their structural stability during zinc-ion intercalation/deintercalation. Consequently, they exhibit a high capacity of 94.2 mAh g(-1) at an ultrahigh rate of 700C (208.6 A g(-1)) and an ultralong life over 100,000 cycles at 100C, which are superior to those of previously reported aqueous ZIBs. Our work presents a new way for developing ultrafast and ultrastable aqueous ZIBs.

Automated summary

The research demonstrates the use of organic phenazine molecules with flexible electron-rich ion channels as cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries, enabling fast-charging and long-term stability. These materials exhibit excellent capacity and cycling performance, outperforming previously reported aqueous ZIBs.