A research team led by Professor Feiyu Kang from Tsinghua University and Professor Liubing Dong from Jinan University has made a breakthrough in zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZHS) technology by engineering a novel zinc anode interface using supramolecular electrolyte additives. Published in Nano-Micro Letters , their work demonstrates a scalable and highly effective strategy to simultaneously improve the cycling stability and reaction kinetics of zinc anodes—longstanding barriers to realizing practical, high-performance aqueous ZHS systems.
Why This Interface Matters
Design Strategy: Self-Assembled Interconnecting SC Supramolecules
The key innovation lies in introducing a sulfobutyl-grafted β-cyclodextrin (SC) supramolecule as a trace additive in ZnSO 4 electrolyte. These supramolecules:
This interconnecting molecular interface acts as a multifunctional layer that suppresses corrosion and dendrite growth while enhancing Zn 2+ transport and deposition uniformity.
Mechanistic Insights
Theoretical calculations (DFT and MD simulations) reveal that the SC–Zn 2+ binding energy significantly exceeds that of water, confirming the supramolecule’s dominance in solvation coordination and interfacial stabilization.
Performance Highlights
Device-Level Application
Future Outlook
This study introduces a scalable, low - cost, and chemistry - driven solution for stabilizing zinc anodes in aqueous energy storage devices. By leveraging the self-assembling nature and functional versatility of SC supramolecules, the researchers present a new paradigm in electrolyte–electrode interfacial engineering . The interconnecting molecule–metal interface strategy not only improves zinc anode performance across the board, but also provides a blueprint for designing other functional supramolecular systems for energy storage applications.
Stay tuned for further innovations from Professors Kang and Dong’s teams as they continue to redefine zinc-based energy storage through molecular-level interface design！
Nano-Micro Letters
Experimental study
Electrolyte Additive-Assembled Interconnecting Molecules–Zinc Anode Interface for Zinc-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors
21-May-2025