articleJournal of the American Chemical SocietyJul 29, 2025Closed access

Well-Aligned Liquid Crystal Interface and Expanded Solvation Sheath Accelerate Zn 2+ Desolvation Kinetics for Stable Zinc Batteries

Advanced Energy Materials (United States) · South China University of Technology · +2 more institutions

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Abstract

The straightforward processing and assembly of zinc batteries enable large-scale production and cost-effective energy storage solutions. However, nonuniform Zn plating and parasitic reactions impede practical deployment, which can be addressed through advanced interfacial modifications and enhanced Zn2+ transport kinetics. Herein, we developed a trace additive based on a tailored liquid crystal molecule (4-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl, 5CB), which preferentially adsorbs onto the zinc surface to form a dynamic ordered interfacial layer and modulate the Zn2+ solvation shell due to its self-assembling and anisotropic properties. The interfacial layer inhibits solvent decomposition and side reactions, while the…

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