PUBLICATION

Advanced Soft Energy Materials Lab

Publication

Publication

69. Electronic-ionic polymer composite with proton-coupled electron transfer reaction: From low N/P ratio to high zinc utilization for aqueous zinc ion batteries
Authors
Yanghyun Cho†, Nayeon Jung†, Jongha Hwang, Minhee Park, Won Bo Lee, Chi Keung Song, Wonseok Yang, Yong Min Lee, Hyun Ho Kim, Ga Young Jeong, Bumjoon Seo*, Myung-Jun Kwak*, Woo-Jin Song*
우수신진연구(NRF-2022R1C1C1009974)
Journal
Energy Storage Materials
Page
105186
Date
(2026.05), JCR : 4.8%, IF : 20.2
Year
2026
358ecf43f6e246d200952aae4614f4e0_1777872967_4686.png
 
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are potential next-generation energy-storage systems. However, their intrinsically disordered deposition behavior limits their practical performance. We introduce electronic–ionic polymer composites (EIPC) onto Zn anodes via a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism. Protons and electrons are synchronously transferred to accelerate interfacial redox reactions. This framework facilitates reversible Zn deposition. The EIPC layer strongly binds to the Zn surface, significantly modulating its electrochemical behavior. At the electrode-electrolyte interface, the EIPC layer promotes the preferential plane of (002)-oriented Zn during continuous deposition and stabilizes the solvation structure. Consequently, EIPC@Zn achieves depth of discharge (DOD) cycling stability (≈51%) and a high cumulative plating capacity (3,040 mAh cm-2 at 4 mA cm-2). In high mass loading (25.8 mg cm-2) MnO2 pouch cell tests, EIPC@Zn maintains for 100 cycles with a low N/P ratio (0.74) and high DOD (≈85%) under 1 A g-1. These findings present a novel and effective approach for enhancing the electronic-ionic conductivity of advanced aqueous metal anode technologies.