Molecular Crowding Electrolytes for Stable Proton Batteries

Proton electrochemistry is promising for developing post-lithium energy storage devices with high capacity and rate capability. However, some electrode materials are vulnerable because of the co-intercalation of free water molecules in traditional acid electrolytes, resulting in rapid capacity fading. Here, the authors report a molecular crowding electrolyte with the usage of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a crowding agent, achieving fast and stable electrochemical proton storage and expanded working potential window (3.2 V). Spectroscopic characterisations reveal the formation of hydrogen bonds between water and PEG molecules, which is beneficial for confining the activity of water molecules. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm a significant decrease of free water fraction in the molecular crowding electrolyte. Dynamic structural evolution of the MoO3 anode is studied by in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), revealing a reversible multi-step naked proton (de)intercalation mechanism. Surficial adsorption of PEG molecules on MoO3 anode works in synergy to alleviate the destructive effect of concurrent water desolvation, thereby achieving enhanced cycling stability. This strategy offers possibilities of practical applications of proton electrochemistry thanks to the low-cost and eco-friendly nature of PEG additives.