Conformal zwitterionic polymer nanofilms and lithium batteries.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41061080.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/sciadv.ady4460 and PMC identifier 12507000.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC.
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Abstract
Scalable synthesis of electrochemically inert nanofilms with precise spatial and compositional control enables rational design of solid-electrolyte interphases (SEIs) in rechargeable batteries. Ion and molecule transport through SEIs largely determines the cycling stability of high-energy rechargeable metal and metal-ion batteries, where electroreduction during charging often occurs beyond electrolyte stability limits. We report nanometer-thick gradient zwitterionic polymer (G-ZWP) interphases, synthesized via a scalable solvent-free method, to regulate transport and electroreduction kinetics at Li-metal anodes, achieving stable cycling. The synthesis combines initiated chemical vapor deposition and diffusion-limited vapor derivatization to form a zwitterionic top layer with high ionic conductivity and an inner covalently cross-linked layer blocking solvent access while remaining stable at reducing potentials. Cu substrates with G-ZWP interphases show >2000-hour cycling at 1 milliampere per square centimeter [6 milliampere hours per square centimeter (mA·hour/cm<sup>2</sup>)]. The interphases also enable long-term cycling of Li batteries (N/P = 0 to 2.5) and Li-dry-air batteries (10 mA·hour/cm<sup>2</sup>) and stabilize Na/Zn electrodeposition.