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Optimization of Electrode Materials for Zinc Ion Batteries

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 375

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Guest Editor
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
Interests: zinc air batteries; electrocatalysts; batteries
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advances in the design, synthesis, and performance enhancement of electrode materials for aqueous and non-aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). As the demand for safe, sustainable, and cost-effective energy storage solutions grows, ZIBs have emerged as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, particularly for large-scale applications such as electrified transportation and grids. However, challenges such as their limited electrochemical stability and slow ion diffusion and the structural degradation of electrode materials hinder their practical deployment.

The scope of this Special Issue encompasses cutting-edge research on cathode materials (e.g., layered oxides, vanadium-based compounds, Prussian blue analogs), anode stabilization techniques (dendrite suppression and protective coatings), and electrolyte formulations (aqueous, quasi-solid-state). We aim to highlight advanced characterization techniques, such as in situ spectroscopy and computational modeling, that can be utilized to provide insights into reaction mechanisms, ion transport dynamics and failure modes. This Special issue also explores scalable synthesis routes and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, aligning with global sustainability goals.

We welcome contributions in the form of original research articles, perspectives, and reviews that address critical bottlenecks and propose innovative approaches for the next generation of ZIBs. This Special Issue seeks to bridge materials chemistry, electrochemistry, and device engineering, fostering a comprehensive understanding that can accelerate the commercialization of zinc-based energy storage technologies.

Prof. Dr. Wenyao Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • aqueous zinc-ion batteries
  • zinc metal battery
  • zinc dendrite
  • aqueous electrolytes
  • layered oxides
  • vanadate cathode
  • Prussian blue analog cathode
  • polyanionic cathode

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 3175 KiB  
Article
Suppressing the Phase Transformation in Cubic Prussian Blue Analogues via a High-Entropy Strategy for Efficient Zinc-Ion Storage
by Hongwei Huang, Haojun Liu, Yang Wang, Yi Li and Qian Li
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3409; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143409 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are widely recognized as promising candidates for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their stable three-dimensional framework structure. However, their further development is limited by their low specific capacity and unsatisfactory cycling performance, primarily caused by phase transformation during [...] Read more.
Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are widely recognized as promising candidates for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their stable three-dimensional framework structure. However, their further development is limited by their low specific capacity and unsatisfactory cycling performance, primarily caused by phase transformation during charge–discharge cycles. Herein, we employed a high-entropy strategy to introduce five different metal elements (Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cu) into the nitrogen–coordinated Ma sites of PBAs, forming a high-entropy Prussian blue analog (HEPBA). By leveraging the cocktail effect of the high-entropy strategy, the phase transformation in the HEPBA was significantly suppressed. Consequently, the HEPBA as an AZIB cathode delivered a high reversible specific capacity of 132.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, and showed exceptional cycling stability with 84.7% capacity retention after 600 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. This work provides innovative insights into the rational design of advanced cathode materials for AZIBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization of Electrode Materials for Zinc Ion Batteries)
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