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Optimizing Molecular Weight of Polyethylene Glycol as an Additive for Stabilizing Zn Metal Anode in Aqueous Electrolyte

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Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) additives have attracted significant attention as a cost-effective approach for modifying the deposition behavior of Zinc (Zn) anodes. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of PEG additives in 1 M ZnSO4 aqueous electrolytes, specifically examining the effect of PEG molecular weight on Zn deposition. By exploring the adsorption of PEG polymers with different molecular weights, we identified the PEG with a molecular weight of 300 g mol−1 (PEG300) as the most suitable polymer. In terms of electrochemical performance, Zn anodes exhibited steady cycling for 232 cycles with high reversibility in 1 M ZnSO4 electrolyte with 0.1 wt.% PEG300. By contrast, Zn anodes using the control electrolyte of 1 M ZnSO4 began to fail after only 70 cycles. These findings highlight the potential of PEG300 as a simple and adaptable additive for significantly extending the longevity of Zn metal anodes.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Cooperative Equipment Center at KOREATECH.

Funding

This research was supported by the Chung-Ang University Research Scholarship Grants in 2022 and Technology development Program funded by Korea Government (MSS) (S3177328) and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) funded by the Korea Government (MOTIE) (No. 20221B1010003A).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Intelligent Energy and Industry, Department of Advanced Materials Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea

    Ohhyun Kwon, Jihyeon Kang, Seohyeon Jang, Hojong Eom, Seyoung Choi, Junhyeop Shin, Jongkwon Park, Hyeonjong Seo, Jae Hyun Kim & Inho Nam

  2. School of Energy, Materials and Chemical Engineering, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan, 31253, Republic of Korea

    Soomin Park

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  1. Ohhyun Kwon
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Kwon, O., Kang, J., Jang, S. et al. Optimizing Molecular Weight of Polyethylene Glycol as an Additive for Stabilizing Zn Metal Anode in Aqueous Electrolyte. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 41, 539–544 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-024-00117-1

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