7.9 µm Turing Membranes with High Ion Conductivity for High Power Density Zinc‐Based Flow Battery

Abstract

AbstractIon conductive membranes with rapid and selective ion transport are in high demand for high‐power energy storage devices. Surface periodic Turing microstructures are scientifically compelling for their high specific surface area which can promote ion transport of membranes. Here, high‐conductivity thin Turing membranes prepared by Co2+ coordination with polybenzimidazole (OPBI) are designed and their efficient ion transport in the alkaline zinc‐iron flow battery (AZIFB) is demonstrated. In this design, the Turing structure increases the effective contact area with the electrolyte, and the 7.9 µm thickness shortens the transmembrane pathway for ions. Molecular dynamics simulations further show that Co2+‐coordination enlarges the inner‐chain volume of membranes and forms continuous water channels for rapid ion transport. The boosting effect of membranes with high ion conductivity is proven by the peak power density and energy efficiency of the AZIFB, which shows an ultrahigh peak power density of 1147 mW cm−2 and demonstrates an energy efficiency of 80% even at a high current density of 200 mA cm−2.