journal article·2026-06-27

Zwitterionic Dynamic Supramolecular Elastomer Electrolytes for High‐Voltage and Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries

Jieyan Li, Weiliang Dong, Zhuang Xu, Xiaotao Zhu, Renrong Zhang, Muhammad Umar Javed, Saz Muhammad, Huixian Yang, Bingqi Luo, Yinghe Zhang, Zeru Wang, Ke Wang, Bing Guo

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Abstract

ABSTRACT To simultaneously address the challenges of lithium (Li) dendrite growth, low ionic conductivity, and limited oxidative stability in lithium metal batteries (LMBs), flexible zwitterionic dynamic supramolecular elastomer electrolytes (DSEEs) with (bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐methyl‐(3‐sulfopropyl) azanium) and (2‐ureido‐4‐pyrimidinone) as chain extenders are proposed. First, DSEEs promote the formation of an inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interface. Second, the polar groups within zwitterions regulate Li + transport and the electric field at the Li surface, thereby homogenizing Li + deposition. Third, the flexible DSEEs enable strong adhesion to the Li anode through electrostatic attraction, eliminating Li nucleation sites, and self‐adapt to volume changes of the Li anode. Fourth, zwitterions enhance Li + dissociation to achieve high ionic conductivity, while their dipole moments and dense hydrogen‐bonding network provide substantial oxidation resistance. Notably, the DSEE with balanced zwitterion and hydrogen‐bonding density exhibits robust adhesion with a high shear strength (21.0 N cm − 2 ), a high ionic conductivity (9.55 × 10 − 4 S cm − 1 ), and a wide electrochemical stability window (5.3 V). Importantly, the optimized DSEE enables reversible and stable Li plating/stripping without observable dendrites, as confirmed by morphological and simulation studies, and shows excellent compatibility with various cathodes. Overall, this study opens a new avenue for developing safe, dendrite‐free LMBs with high energy density.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies · Advancements in Battery Materials · Coordination Chemistry and Organometallics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Science Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Guangdong China

School of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen Guangdong China

Institute of Low‐Dimensional Materials Genome Initiative College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Shenzhen University Shenzhen Guangdong China

Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering henzhen University of Advanced Technology Shenzhen China

School of Materials Science & Engineering Changzhou University Changzhou China

Funding

Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province

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