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Batteries

Breakthrough in Energy Storage: Researchers Discover Efficient Polysaccharide Additives for Zinc-Based Batteries

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by scientists at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology has shed new light on the efficiency of polysaccharide molecules as additives for zinc-based batteries. According to the study published in Energy Storage Materials, polysaccharide molecules, specifically TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN), have been found to significantly enhance the performance of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) electrolytes in aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs). The researchers identified that the synergistic effects between the SO42- anion and TOCN promote the transport efficiency of zinc ions and inhibit hydrogen evolution reactions, resulting in improved electrochemical performance and a higher energy density of 94.8 Wh kg(-1).

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology have discovered that polysaccharide molecules, particularly TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN), can significantly enhance the performance of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) electrolytes in aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs).
  • The synergistic effects between the SO42- anion and TOCN promote the transport efficiency of zinc ions and inhibit hydrogen evolution reactions.
  • The research concluded that the ZnSO4-TOCN electrolyte enables the cells to show the best electrochemical performance, with good reversibility even under high currents with high capacities.
  • The asymmetric cells exhibit good cycling performance with a low N/P ratio of 2.3, showing a good prospect for practical applications.
  • The breakthrough has the potential to improve the efficiency and capacity of zinc-based batteries.

Statistics:

  • The energy density of the ZnSO4-TOCN electrolyte is 94.8 Wh kg(-1).
  • The research has a low N/P ratio of 2.3.
  • The electrochemical reversibility is maintained even under high currents with high capacities.

Sources:

  • "Insight Into the Zn-salt Anion Effects On Polysaccharide-containing Electrolytes for Zn Anode Modifications" published in Energy Storage Materials (2025; 80)
  • Energy Storage Materials can be contacted at: Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Researchers include Jin Niu, Qing Ma, Weihao Song, Bing Wu, Chengjin Zheng, Feng Wang, Masatsugu Fujishige, Kenji Takeuchi, and Morinobu Endo from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology.

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