As global demand grows for safe, low-cost, and sustainable energy storage technologies, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have gained increasing attention due to their high theoretical capacity, environmental friendliness, and intrinsic safety. However, their practical application has long been hindered by two major challenges: uncontrolled zinc dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), both of which degrade battery performance and lifespan.
Now, a collaborative research team from Nanjing University, The University of Queensland, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University has developed an innovative solution using zwitterionic electrolyte additives. Their findings, published in Nano-Micro Letters , offer a promising pathway toward ultra-stable and long-life AZIBs.
Why This Matters
Key Innovation: Molecular Design Matters
The researchers systematically compared three zwitterionic compounds—CBMA, SBMA, and MPC—all featuring the same quaternary ammonium cation but different anionic groups: carboxylate, sulfonate, and phosphate, respectively.
Among them, MPC (2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) emerged as the most effective additive due to its unique dual functionality:
Performance Highlights
Mechanistic Insights
Using a combination of electrochemical analysis, DFT calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations, the team revealed that:
Future Outlook
This work highlights the critical role of anionic group selection in zwitterionic additives and demonstrates how molecular-level electrolyte engineering can solve long-standing challenges in AZIBs. The compatibility, low cost, and scalability of MPC make it a highly promising candidate for next-generation energy storage systems.
Moreover, the MPC molecule includes a polymerizable methacrylate group, opening the door for future development of functional polymer electrolytes and solid-state batteries.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments from this interdisciplinary research team as they continue to push the boundaries of safe, sustainable, and high-performance energy storage technologies!
Nano-Micro Letters
Experimental study
Screening Anionic Groups Within Zwitterionic Additives for Eliminating Hydrogen Evolution and Dendrites in Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
26-Jun-2025