摘要
Redox polymers are a class of high-capacity, low-cost electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage, butthe mechanisms governing their cycling stability are not well understood. Here we investigate the effect of anionson the longevity of a p-dopable polymer through comparing two aqueous zinc-based electrolytes. Galvanostaticcycling studies reveal the polymer has better capacity retention in the presence of triflate anions than that withsulfate anions. Based on electrode microstructural analysis and evolution profiles of the cell stacking pressure, theorigin of capacity decay is ascribed to mechanical fractures induced by volume change of the polymer activematerials during repeated cycling. The volume change of the polymer with the triflate anion is 61% less than thatwith the sulfate anion, resulting in fewer cracks in the electrodes. The difference is related to the different anionsolvation structures—the triflate anion has fewer solvated water molecules compared with the sulfate anion,leading to smaller volume expansion. This work highlights that anions with low solvation degree are preferablefor long-term cycling.
