Gyroid Liquid Crystals as Quasi-Solid-State Electrolytes Toward Ultrastable Zinc Batteries.
ACS Nano
; 18(10): 7633-7643, 2024 Mar 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38411092
ABSTRACT
The potential for optimizing ion transport through triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures renders promising electrochemical applications. In this study, as a proof-of-concept, we extend the inherent efficiency and mathematical beauty of TPMS structures to fabricate liquid-crystalline electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and superior structural stability for aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries. The specific topological configuration of the liquid-crystalline electrolytes, featuring a Gyroid geometry, enables the formation of a continuous ion conduction pathway enriched with confined water. This, in turn, promotes the smooth transport of charge carriers and contributes to high ionic conductivity. Meanwhile, the quasi-solid hydrophobic phase assembled by hydrophobic alkyl chains exhibits notable rigidity and toughness, enabling uniform and compact dendrite-free Zn deposition. These merits synergistically enhance the overall performance of the corresponding full batteries. This work highlights the distinctive role of TPMS structures in developing high-performance, liquid-crystalline electrolytes, which can provide a viable route for the rational design of next-generation quasi-solid-state electrolytes.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
ACS Nano
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article