Stabilizing Iodine Redox Mediator Enables High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc–Sulfur Batteries

ABSTRACT Aqueous zinc–sulfur batteries (AZSBs) are regarded as promising candidates for high‐energy‐density and low‐cost energy storage devices. However, sluggish conversion reaction of sulfur‐loading cathode and notorious polyiodide shuttle of iodine redox mediator in aqueous electrolytes severely hinder the development of AZSBs. Herein, ammonia‐oxidized lignin (AOL) is introduced as electrolyte additive to stabilize the redox mediator function of ZnI 2 , which effectively facilitates the reversible sulfur conversion reaction (S 8 ↔ZnS). As demonstrated, AOL monomer is rich in active hydroxyl/amide moieties, and exhibits strong chemisorption capability for polyiodides as well as remarkable thermodynamic…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22562010, 52461040, 52474325, 22309029, 52404316
• BA
  Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province

  Awards: 2024A1515140011, 2024A1515110010