Boosting the Kinetics and Stability of Zn Anodes in Aqueous Electrolytes with Supramolecular Cyclodextrin Additives
Nankai University · Unité Matériaux et Transformations · +2 more institutions
Abstract
The hydrophobic internal cavity and hydrophilic external surface of cyclodextrins (CDs) render promising electrochemical applications. Here, we report a comparative and mechanistic study on the use of CD molecules (α-, β-, and γ-CD) as electrolyte additives for rechargeable Zn batteries. The addition of α-CD in aqueous ZnSO4 solution reduces nucleation overpotential and activation energy of Zn plating and suppresses H2 generation. Computational, spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies reveal that α-CD preferentially adsorbs in parallel on the Zn surface via secondary hydroxyl groups, suppressing water-induced side reactions of hydrogen evolution and hydroxide sulfate formation. Additionally, the hydrophilic…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 42.65
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 60
Authors
12Topics & keywords
- Chemistry
- Cyclodextrin
- Kinetics
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Aqueous solution
- Electrolyte
- Boosting (machine learning)
- Inorganic chemistry
- Clean water and sanitation