Prof. Zhongxue Chen | Publications & Academic Profile | SinoGreenTech

Research Publications & English Decoded Briefs

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3647-4

Revitalizing High-Performance Lithium Primary Batteries via the Synergetic Effect of CrOx and CFx

Chromium oxides (CrOx) and fluorinated graphite (CFx) are two typical cathode materials for lithium primary batteries. The former possesses the highest theoretical energy density but suffers from low practical capacity and inferior rate capability; the latter has the highest theoretical discharge capacity but fails to support fast discharge. Combining the merits of both cathodes via a composite design is desirable, yet the electrochemical performance of such composites remains unsatisfactory. In this work, we identified that by regulating the overlapped discharge potential of these two cathodes, fluorine atoms migrate from CFx to CrOx, leading to a homogeneous distribution of LiF and improved ionic and electronic conductivity, ultimately enhancing high-rate discharge performance. Benefiting from this synergetic effect, the CrOx/10%eCFx composite exhibits a considerably high energy density of 496.59 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 49.7 kW kg−1 (50 C), far superior to pure CrOx and CFx electrodes. We believe that the high-performance CrOx/eCFx composite cathode will justify its practical application in revitalizing advanced lithium primary batteries.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3808-x

Solvation regulation with Janus solvates for sustainable aqueous Zn ion batteries

The uncontrollable Zn dendrites and serious parasitic side reactions of the zinc anode severely impede the practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. In this work, a unique strategy of multipoint solvate coordination center is proposed, which anchors Zn2+ and H2O with complex sites to establish an intermolecular connection within the asymmetric solvation structure. A hydrated deep eutectic electrolyte based on multi-site methylurea (MU) with Janus properties is developed, in which Zn2+ and H2O interact with MU through Lewis acid-base and hydrogen bonding interaction, and the regulated asymmetric solvation configuration can guide the (002)-ordered Zn deposition. Simultaneously, a small amount of polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mw=20000) can facilitate homogenous (002) Zn deposition by suppressing Zn2+ transfer kinetics. Benefiting from the rationally regulated solvation structure and PEG molecules adsorbed onto Zn anodes, the side reactions and Zn dendrites are significantly inhibited. As a result, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell delivers outstanding cycling performance over 3900 h (1 mA cm−2, 0.5 mA h cm−2). In addition, the Zn||V2O5 battery maintains 79.2% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1. The results suggest a promising oriented regulation strategy for sustainable aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3852-9

Solvent-Relay Electrolyte Design for Safe, Long-Life Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density are essential for electric vehicles and energy storage, but their adoption is hindered by safety and longevity trade-offs. Electrolyte engineering is critical to address these challenges. Weakly solvating electrolytes enhance anode interphase stability and safety by promoting ion association and reducing flammable solvents, yet they exacerbate thermal runaway due to ion association lowering the energy barrier for exothermic anion decomposition. Lu and coworkers demonstrated that pronounced ion association reduces the onset temperature of exothermic reactions by approximately 94 °C across over 20 electrolyte systems. To mitigate this, a solvent-relay strategy was developed: a temperature-sensitive 'passing solvent' promotes ion association at ambient temperature, forming a robust SEI and enhancing cycle life, while a temperature-insensitive 'receiving solvent' accepts Li+ at elevated temperatures, promoting dissociation and suppressing exothermic reactions. This design was validated in a 4.5-V graphite-NCM811 pouch cell (1.1 Ah), which delivered 1,000 cycles at 0.45 C, retaining ~81.9% capacity over 4,100 hours. The solvent-relay approach decouples SEI formation from thermal stability, offering a pathway to safe, long-life high-energy LIBs.

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