The Role of Hydrogen Bonding in Aqueous Batteries: Correlating Molecular-Scale Interactions with Battery Performance

Zhengnan Tian, Wenyi Guo, Zixiong Shi, Zainab Alhubail, Yizhou Wang, Dana Alsulaiman, Yunpei Zhu, Jun Ming, Jingyu Sun*, Husam N. Alshareef*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The pursuit of reliable and sustainable energy storage solutions has spurred significant research activity in the development of aqueous batteries (ABs). However, the energy density and cycling stability of ABs have remained stubbornly limited, leading to a plethora of host material designs and electrolyte modulation strategies. As an intermolecular interaction force, the hydrogen bond (HB) presents a promising avenue for optimizing the performance of electrode materials and electrolytes. However, HB chemistry in ABs remains poorly understood to date. Therefore, this Review aims to provide an updated summary of the current understanding of HB chemistry (mechanism, type, strength), the effect of HB on electrolytes (conductivity, freezing point, decomposition potential, viscosity, and dissolubility), and host materials’ performance (stacking, insulation, ionic conductivity). In addition, we construct a vivid illustration of the structure-activity relationship between molecular-scale HB interactions and macroscale battery performance. A series of representative case studies in which HBs are used to optimize electrochemical performance are discussed. Finally, advanced methodologies for characterization of HBs are described in detail. This Review provides new insights into the relationship between HB chemistry and battery performance. It also provides guideline for building high-energy and high-rate ABs taking advantage of HB chemistry.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5179-5205
Number of pages27
JournalACS Energy Letters
Volume9
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 11 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 American Chemical Society.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry (miscellaneous)
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Fuel Technology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Materials Chemistry

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