COMSOL Simulation Research Articles

A simple Magnetic-aided microfluidic screening approach for rabies virus via rolling circle amplification

Rabies, being a fatal neurologic disease, is one of the neglected tropical diseases. Timely post-exposure prophylaxis is the key to healthcare, demanding an early diagnosis towards the much-envisaged ‘One Health’ measures. Despite being a disease with almost 100 % mortality cases, no significant progress has been made towards its early and accurate diagnosis. Herein, we report a simple microfluidic device based on magnetic trapping, without any complex design, in order to specifically screen rabies virus from biofluids. For this, we exploit Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA), a highly recommended isothermal nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), with rapid and robust point-of-care diagnosis capabilities. This specific molecular assay was used for sensitive detection down to 2.69 fM and 14.5 fM for N- and L-gene targets, respectively. COMSOL simulations have accelerated experimental optimization time, resulting in effective capture and detection of magnetically-coupled amplicons. Fluorescently-tagged RCA products mixed with magnetic microparticles (M−RCPs) showed a clearly distinguishable signal between rabies vaccine strain and blood samples of healthy dogs. This simple technique presents a scalable proof-of-concept prototype for a highly specific ‘yes-or-no’ detection method for rabies virus, using a minimal sample volume and extendable for sensitive-cum-specific screening of other pathogens using tunable molecular probes.

Self-powered wireless sensing system with cylindrical high voltage side electric field energy harvesting by discharge circuit

To warn of overcurrent heating, temperature wireless sensor node (WSN) need to be deployed on the overhead lines of the power grid. The sustainable power supply of WSN is difficult. Using the electric field energy around the transmission line to power the sensor has the advantages of stability, reliability and sustainability, but the electric field energy harvesting (EFEH) power need to be improved. This paper studies the principle of energy harvesting by displacement current and discharge method, and analyzes the influencing factors of the output power of the EFEH unit. The power improvement method of the EFEH unit is proposed by improving the coupling capacitor and the energy storage capacity discharge voltage. The relationship between the structural parameters of energy cylinder and induced potential and coupling capacitance is explored by COMSOL simulation software. A low-cost, self-driven and adjustable high voltage undervoltage lock (UVLO) circuit is proposed. A 10kV high voltage generation platform is built in the laboratory, and the wireless temperature and humidity sensor is self-powered by the EFEH with power of 2.04mW. This research has important theoretical and application value for the high voltage side EFEH powered WSN.

Enhancing the efficiency of novel PCNF demulsifier for oil-contaminated wastewater treatment through numerical simulation optimization of demulsification mechanism

This study used COMSOL simulation software to simulate the aggregation behavior of oil droplets under the action of a direct current electric field. Moreover, in-depth research was conducted on the aggregation process of oil droplets and the dynamic changes of the water oil micro interface. Research has found that the interfacial tension between water and oil is an important factor affecting the deformation of oil droplets. In this work, a new type of magnetic demulsifier (PCNF) was prepared using nano-Fe3O4 as the condensed core, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) as the binder, and polyferric sulfate (PFS), and this demulsifier was coupled with an electroflocculation process. The results indicate that the addition of PCNF can effectively reduce the interfacial tension between water and oil, promoting the demulsification process. Compared with traditional flocculants, the combination of electrochemical action and the optimal 2 g/L PCNF dosage provides higher purification efficiency. By introducing calcium chloride, the dosage of PCNF can be reduced. When the dosage is adjusted to 1.5 g PCNF + 0.5 g calcium chloride, the electrolysis time can be shortened from 180 min to 90 min. Under these treatment conditions, the COD in the emulsified oil wastewater is reduced to 46 mg/L and the oil content is reduced to 5.08 mg/L. Economic calculations show that compared to using PCNF alone, this reduction method can reduce operating costs by 39.83 %. This strategy achieves efficient demulsification and oil removal, lowers economic costs, and provides a solid foundation for guiding the development of practical technology.

Theoretical study on electrochemical and thermal behavior of GNP incorporated anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

In this paper, a theoretical investigation of the electrical and thermal performance of lithium-ion batteries employing an unexplored graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) incorporated lithium titanate (LTO-GNP) anode and lithium manganese oxide cathode is demonstrated by using the COMSOL Multiphysics modeling and simulation. The GNP proportions in the LTO active material matrix are varied from 0 to 3 wt%, to assess the improvements in cell potential, state of charge (SOC), variation in internal temperature, discharging capacity, and battery power density across four selected electrodes. The simulation results have indicated the positive effects of increasing the anode’s GNP concentration on the battery performance, alongside temperature-dependent open-circuit voltage (OCV) and SOC outputs of the battery. The analysis of the effects of thermal conductivity on heat accumulation and dissipation within the battery has indicated that the anode with 3 wt% of GNP consistently performed superior to the other electrodes by providing uniform temperature distribution and enhanced electrical performance by promoting better discharge capacity and power density. The LTO anode with 3 wt% GNP has shown 0.2V more cell potential and also has 12.5% improved thermal conductivity when compared to LTO anode without GNP, contributing to better heat distribution inside the battery. The simulation also emphasized the importance of optimal GNP loading in the Li-ion battery anode to attain more uniform temperature distribution with improved battery health and efficiency.

Optimization of Electron Beams for Ion Bombardment Secondary Emission Electron Gun

Abstract Electron beam fluorescence technology is an advanced non-contact measurement in rarefied flow fields, the fluorescence signal intensity is positively correlated with the electron beam current. The ion bombardment secondary emission electron gun is suitable for the technology. To enhance the beam current, COMSOL simulations and analyses were con-ducted to examine plasma density distribution in the discharge chamber under the effects of various conditions and the electric field distribution between the cathode and the spacer gap. The anode shape and discharge pressure conditions were optimized to increase plasma density. Additionally, an improved spacer structure was designed with the dual purpose of enhancing the electric field distribution between the cathode-spacer gap and improving vacuum dif-ferential effects. This design modification aims to increase the pass rate of secondary elec-trons. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the performance of the optimized electron gun was effectively enhanced. When the electrode voltage remains con-stant and the discharge gas pressure is adjusted to around 8 Pa, the maximum beam current was increased from 0.9mA to 1.6 mA.

Presaturated iron‐core fault current limiters for MVDC power system applications

AbstractThis paper presents design and dynamic performance investigation of a full‐scale, modular topology (arranged on the sides of a regular hexagon), medium voltage direct current (MVDC) permanent magnet (PM) biased presaturated fault current limiter (PMFCL). This PMFCL represents a cost‐effective design with enhanced longevity, reliability, scalability, and controllability. The scalability of this modular design can be extended by adding or removing CI (letters: CI) core units for different power system applications in a voltage range from to or more. The rated steady‐state (DC) and fault currents of and , respectively. The detection free and self‐triggering performance of this PMFCL is designed and simulated through a 3D coupled model of electric‐circuit magnetic‐field of COMSOL Multiphysics. Accurate representation of PM behaviour, especially in the second quadrant of its hysteresis loop of Jiles‐Atherton method gives realistic performance of the PMFCL. Comprehensive finite element simulations are carried out to study the effect of design parameters on the dynamic performance of PMFCL. Good agreement is found between COMSOL simulation results of DC‐biased PFCL and experimental results of a developed small‐scale prototype. Results reveal that the MVDC PMFCL shows significant improvement and satisfactory performance, in terms of fault current clipping ratio, fault current slope, and power losses, as compared to the conventional MVDC DC‐biased presaturated CI iron‐core fault current limiter (PFCL).

Reassessing the Role of Thermal Convection in Simultaneous Water Production and Pollutant Degradation in Interfacial Photothermal-Photocatalytic Systems.

The interfacial photothermal-photocatalyticsystemscan generate clean water while purifying wastewater containing organic pollutants, but the impact of thermal convection on synergistic effects remains unexplored. This paper aims to regulate the thermal convection at the interface to significantly enhance the synergistic effect of interfacial photothermal-photocatalytic systems. A novel heterogeneous structure comprising iron-based metal-organic frameworks and multi-walled carbon nanotubes with a gelatin-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) double network hydrogel (MWCNTs@NM88B/PVA/gelatin hydrogel, denoted as MMH) is developed and employed in the construction of the solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) system. The system shows high activity for solar water evaporation and simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. MMH demonstrates an evaporation rate of 2.84kg m-2h-1, achieving an efficiency of 95.3% under 1 sun. COMSOL simulations reveal that the implementation of a three-phase interface configuration with SIE technology significantly boosts thermal convection, effectively diminishing the barrier to gas release from the reaction system and consequently enhancing the efficiency of the interfacial photothermal-photocatalytic process. Furthermore, the potential mechanism of photocatalytic decomposition of organic pollutants in MMH/H2O2/visible light reaction system is proposed by combining the experiments of KPFM, in situ XPS, and ESR spectra. Therefore, this work offers a fresh perspective on evaluating the impact of thermal convection on water evaporation and pollutant degradation in interface photothermal-photocatalytic systems.

Gold-grafted melamine sponge as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate for enzyme-linked immunoassay of mycotoxins in cereal samples.

Gold-grafted melamine sponge (AuSp) was fabricated and applied as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate for enzyme-linked immunoassay of 2 typical mycotoxins, zearalenone (ZEN) and T-2 toxin. The gold nanoparticles were in situ grown on the sponge, and the product showed good effect in enhancing Raman signal and good stability. COMSOL and Gaussian simulations were used to analyze the enhancing effect. Some of the experimental conditions that may affect the determination results were studied in order to meet the maximum response to mycotoxins. At optimized conditions, the limits of detection of the method were 1μg·kg-1 and 0.05μg·kg-1 for ZEN and T-2 toxin, with linear ranges of 5-100μg·kg-1 and 0.1-20μg·kg-1, respectively, and relative standard deviations lower than 7.0%. The established method was used to determine ZEN and T-2 toxin in six kinds of cereal samples, the recoveries were 85-120%, and relative errors were less than 13.0%. These results indicated the accuracy of the established method. After 1-year storage, signal strength of AuSp for mycotoxins determination decreased by less than 10%, showing stability over a long time. Our work provided a new method for SERS determination of mycotoxins, which reduces the complexity of substrate preparation and the sample consumption compared with traditional methods, and thus has potential for on-line SERS determination.

Robust Sodium Storage Enabled by Heterogeneous Engineering and Electrolyte Modification

AbstractThe modulation of heterointerfaces in 2D materials is critically important for improving the electrochemical performance of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). In this context, the MoS2/Ti3C2Tx MXene heterostructure is taken as a typical example to reveal the fundamental principle of high sodium storage performance by regulating the terminal groups of Ti3C2Tx. It is demonstrated that MoS2/Ti3C2(OH)x (M/‐(OH)x) heterostructure with a high work function difference generates an enhanced built‐in electric field, which facilitates charge transfer. Moreover, ether‐based electrolytes, when compared to ester‐based electrolytes, provide lower solvation‐free energies and exhibit high compatibility with M/‐(OH)x, resulting in superior rate capability. Notably, COMSOL simulations of sodium ion (Na+) concentration and Na+ flux distributions reveal that the M/‐(OH)x electrode has low concentration polarization and rapid diffusion kinetics in ether‐based electrolytes. Consequently, the combination of M/‐(OH)x heterostructure with the ether‐based electrolyte provides 224.06 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 5.0 A g−1. Furthermore, the Na3V2(PO4)3/C//M/‐(OH)x full cell demonstrates robust electrochemical performance, delivering 116.49 mAh g−1 after 140 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. These findings emphasize the impact of modulating terminal functional groups to optimize the electrochemical functionality of heterostructures and highlight the crucial role of electrode/electrolyte synergistic coupling in advancing the practical applications of SIBs.

Optimization of P-electrode structures to enhance current spreading uniformity in micro-LEDs.

In this study, we designed and fabricated parallel-connected green micro-LEDs with three different P-electrode configurations: rounded (Sample A), cross-shaped (Sample B), and circular (Sample C). We then systematically evaluated the impact of these electrode shapes on the devices' optoelectronic performance. The results show that the shape of the P-electrode significantly influences the optoelectronic performance of micro-LEDs. With a round mesa, Sample C exhibits the lowest operating voltage and the smallest dynamic resistance and achieves a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 19.57%, which is 25.53% and 11.13% higher than that of Sample A (15.59%) and Sample B (17.61%), respectively. The analysis suggests that this improvement is mainly due to enhanced uniformity in current spreading and shorter current injection paths. COMSOL simulations, along with thermal resistance and surface temperature measurements, confirm that different P-electrode shapes affect the uniformity of current distribution in micro-LEDs, which in turn impacts the device's thermal performance. TracePro simulation results further demonstrated that circular P-electrodes optimize the light output of the device. We believe that this study provides a valuable reference for the design and fabrication of micro-LED chips.

Analysis and Optimization of the Noise Reduction Performance of Sound-Absorbing Materials in Complex Environments

The acoustic performance of sound barrier absorption materials utilized in substations is subject to variations due to factors such as sandstorms, corrosion, and rainfall. In this study, a model of the absorbing material was developed based on the Delany–Bazley model using COMSOL simulation software, version 5.6. The influence of porosity and material thickness on the absorption coefficient was analyzed, and the patterns of change were summarized. The results indicated that porosity significantly affected the entire analysis frequency range, while material thickness had a more pronounced impact in the low-frequency range. Building upon these findings, a blended fiber absorption material was formulated through research efforts. Experimental results demonstrated that the aluminum fiber diameter measured 30 microns, while the aramid fiber diameter was 12 microns; additionally, their mass ratio was established at 3:1. The material thickness was determined to be 10 cm with a face density of 2500 g/m2, resulting in optimal absorption performance. Durability tests revealed that this material could sustain effective acoustic performance across various complex environments. Finally, simulations and analyses regarding noise reduction effects were conducted within actual application scenarios; it was found that the noise reduction capability of the blended fiber sound barrier absorption material exceeded that of glass wool by 4.78 dB.

Integration of CeO2-Based Memristor with Vertically Aligned Nanocomposite Thin Film: Enabling Selective Conductive Filament Formation for High-Performance Electronic Synapses.

The CeO2-based memristor has attracted significant attention due to its intrinsic resistive switching (RS) properties, large on/off ratio, and great plasticity, making it a promising candidate for artificial synapses. However, significant challenges such as high power consumption and poor device reliability hinder its broad application in neuromorphic microchips. To tackle these issues, in this work, we design a novel bilayer (BL) memristor by integrating a CeO2-based memristor with a Co-CeO2 vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) layer and compare it with the single layer (SL) memristor. Preliminary electrical testing reveals that the BL memristor offers a reduced set/reset voltage (∼67% lower), a higher on/off ratio (∼5 × 102), enhanced device reliability, and improved device-to-device variation compared to the SL memristor. Insight from COMSOL simulation, coupled with microstructural analysis, provides a comprehensive elucidation on how the VAN layer facilitates the selective conductive filament (CF) formation. Subsequently, the plasticity of the BL memristor is evaluated through long-term potentiation/depression (LTP/LTD), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), and spike-time-dependent plasticity (STDP). The spiking neural network (SNN) built upon the BL memristor achieves remarkable accuracy (∼94%) after only 12 iterations, underscoring its potential for high-performance neural networks.

Study on the parameters of non-thermal plasma degradation process based on the combination of simulation and experiment

The destruction of benzene in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor was studied in this work. The effects of specific energy density, initial concentration and oxygen content on benzene degradation efficiency were investigated by experiment and matrix correlation analysis. The results showed that specific energy density was the most important factor on benzene removal with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.7, meanwhile both initial concentration and oxygen content presented the inverse influence. In addition, a model to study the plasma discharge process was developed by COMSOL simulation software and surface reactions were included in the model. The behavior of the plasma was described by the coupled equations of electron density, heavy matter density and electron mean energy, and the drift-diffusion equation was calculated. When the peak voltage is 30 kV, the terminal current obtained by the simulation is 0.03 A, and the corresponding output current measured by the experiment is 0.013 A. Simulated and experimental current change trends are the same, indicating that the method simulation is correct and reasonable.

Heat Exchanger Improvement of a Counter-Flow Dew Point Evaporative Cooler Through COMSOL Simulations

Due to modern comfort demands and global warming, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are widely used in many homes and buildings. However, HVAC based on the Vapor Compression System (VCS) is a major energy consumer, accounting for 20–50% of a building’s energy consumption and responsible for 29% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Dew-point evaporative coolers offer a sustainable alternative yet face challenges, e.g., dew point and wet bulb effectiveness. Given the above, dew point evaporative cooling systems may find a place to dethrone conventional air conditioning systems. This research aims to design a dew point evaporative cooler system with better performance in terms of dew point and wet bulb effectiveness. In terms of methodology, a heat exchanger as part of a counter-flow dew point cooling system was designed and analyzed using COMSOL simulations under different representative climatic, geometric, and dimensional conditions, taking into account turbulent flow. Next, our model was compared with other cooling systems. The results show that our model performs similarly to other cooling systems, with an error of around 6.89% in the output temperature at low relative humidity (0–21%). In comparison, our system is more sensitive to humidity in the climate, whereas heat pumps can operate in high humidity. The average dew point and wet bulb effectiveness were also higher than reported in the literature, at 91.38% and 147.84%, respectively. In addition, there are some potential limitations of the simulations in terms of the assumptions made about atmospheric conditions. For this reason, the results cannot be generalized but must be considered as a starting point for future research and technology development projects.

Cyclodextrin Metal-Organic Framework Functionalized Carbon Materials with Optimized Interface Electronics and Selective Supramolecular Channels for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

During the reaction process in lithium-sulfur batteries, Lewis acidic lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) affect ion distribution and overall electrolyte stability, degrading battery performance and product distribution (e.g., Li2S). Here, a microenvironment regulation strategy with optimized interface electronics and selective supramolecular channels, is proposed to enhance LiPS reaction kinetics through Lewis basic γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic framework (γ-CDMOF). To validate this concept, γ-CDMOF is rapidly synthesized on 3D graphene foam (GF) via a microwave-assisted method, resulting in a γ-CDMOF/GF cathode for high-performance Li-S batteries. A range of analytical techniques combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that introducing a Lewis basic supramolecular microenvironment mitigates the LiPSs shuttle effect, enhances polysulfide capture, and improves sulfur redox conversion. Additionally, COMSOL simulations reveal that the γ-CDMOF framework and oxygen sites significantly reduce volumetric expansion stress during the LiPS solid-liquid phase transition. Impressively, the γ-CDMOF/GF cathode exhibits exceptional performance, including a high specific capacity (1253.01 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1C), excellent rate performance (589.68 mAh g⁻¹ at 5C), and long cycle life (over 1200 cycles). This study introduces a new concept of supramolecular microenvironment regulation and interfacial interaction strategy, offering a unique approach for the development of multifunctional electrode materials.

Controlled Release of La3+ Ions for Enhanced Wheat Seed Germination Based on Phosphate Pillar[5]arene Nanogating.

Rare earth elements (REEs), vital and limited resources, also play a significant role in agriculture. Previous findings indicated that the proper concentration of REEs could enhance the germination process, seed germination rate, and seedling growth and development. This paper introduces designing, synthesizing, and assembling a new type of tapered nanogates for separating and detecting lanthanide ions (La3+). A phosphoric acid pillar[5]arene (PP5) was synthesized and incorporated as a receptor molecule for La3+ in aqueous media. Incorporating these receptor molecules into the nanogates enhances the identification and controlled release of the lanthanide ions in water. The UV titration and COMSOL simulation results demonstrated an interaction between PP5 and La3+ to strengthen the understanding of the release mechanism. Finally, the effect of released La3+ on the germination of wheat seeds is discussed, demonstrating the ability to improve its application in the agricultural industry.

Ion Size, Electron Rate and Transfer Coefficient Effect on Hetrocharge Redox Couple (+1,0) for 2‐D Microdisk, Potential Application for Lithium Ion Battery

AbstractNumerical finite element simulations were conducted to study the electrochemical reaction in a mixture of hetrocharge redox couple in the presence of a supporting electrolyte as a potential application in lithium ion battery, occurring on both parallel and non‐parallel two dimensional (2‐D) microdisk electrodes. Ion size of supporting electrolyte and electron transfer rate by engineering of electrode types have significant effect on electrical storage. This study represents the first‐time exploration of the electrochemical behavior for hetrocharge +1,0 redox couple in presence of supporting electrolyte on a non‐parallel 2D microdisk. Impedance spectra were calculated for the electrochemical reaction on the non‐parallel 2D microdisk under varying concentrations of the redox couple and supporting electrolyte. COMSOL simulation were extended to investigate the effects of electron rate and transfer number on the Impedance spectrum, as well as the concentration of all ions and electrical potential within the electrical double layer area for the 2‐D microdisk. Analytical expressions were derived to describe the potential and concentration profiles in the double layer area, specifically for the electrochemical reaction involving hetrocharge redox couple +1, 0 on a 2‐D parallel microdisk in the presence of the supporting electrolyte. The study explored the influence of different types of supporting electrolytes, namely KF and KBr, on the impedance spectrum, concentration profile, and electrical potential profile within the electrical double layer area for the non‐parallel 2‐D microdisk. General trend of numerical impedance spectrum result with the ion size of supporting electrolyte is agreement with the available experimental data.

Supression of shielding effect of large area field emitter cathode in radio frequency gun environment

Abstract Utilisation of large area field emitters (LAFE) cathodes for rf gun injector hold promise for delivering compact, high power and high brightness electron beam for advanced accelerator technologies. LAFEs subjected to DC electric fields posses significant challenges due to the shielding effect which restricts emission from central emitters and decreases the overall current density. Mitigating the shielding effect of LAFE in rf gun environment is essential for meeting the desired beam quality requirement in an accelerator. The current distribution of LAFE under DC conditions depend on its various geometrical parameters such as emitter height, inter-emitter distance, aspect ratio, number of emitters. Additionally, in rf gunsetup, LAFEs are subjected to variable macroscopic electric field at different emitter position which can potentially alter the current distribution compared to DC fields. In this work, we have systematically studied the shielding effect properties of LAFE in rf gun environment under the influence of various LAFE parameters. A semi-analytical approachhas been adopted to estimate the current distribution which combines the analytically calculated field enhancement factor (γ) and numerically calculated applied rf field values. This new methodology was first validated using COMSOL simulation and then employed for field emission performance estimation of a LAFE cathode integrated in a½ cell S-band (2856 MHz) rf gun. The simulation results reveals that under favourable conditions, a Gaussian spatial distribution of beam can be obtained from LAFE thus countering the shielding effect typical in DC fields. By optimizing the LAFE parameters, the desired current and beam distribution pattern can be achieved. This study highlights the adoption of a promising approach for designing LAFE cathodes suitable for rf gun which can lead to advancement of field emission technologies for accelerator-related applications.

MXene Surface Engineering Enabling High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractSolid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer inherent advantages for battery applications, such as high safety and excellent processability, but their practical use is limited by challenges like low ionic conductivity, subpar mechanical properties, and instability of the electrode/electrolyte interface. Here, novel SPEs are developed by embedding 2D MXenes decorated at the surface with methoxypolyethylene glycol chains into poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐hexafluoropropylene matrices, enhanced with succinonitrile as a plasticizer. This innovative design improves the compatibility of the modified MXene in poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐hexafluoropropylene and, together with the synergistic effects of succinonitrile, promotes the dissociation of lithium salt. The SPE achieves ionic conductivity of 1.49 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C, and a Li‐ion transference number of 0.59. These results are supported by comprehensive experimental characterization, COMSOL simulations, and DFT calculations. This SPE enables stable and reversible Li plating/stripping for over 2100 h in Li/Li symmetric cells, while fabricated Li/LiFePO4 full cells deliver a notable capacity of 135.4 mAh g−1 with an average Coulombic efficiency of 98.9% after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. Furthermore, the Li/LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 full cells also demonstrate a capacity of 140.5 mAh g−1 after over 200 cycles at 0.5 C, showcasing an impressive capacity retention rate of 99.6%.

Bi-Functional Agarose-Filled Porous Polysulfone Protective Layer for Dendrite-Free Zn Anode.

The uneven electric field and slow Zn2+ desolvation lead to rapid dendrite growth during Zn plating and stripping, which severely deteriorates the performance of Zn metal anodes (ZMAs) in Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs). Although polymer-based artificial protective (PBAP) layers are widely applied to homogenize the electric field of ZMAs, they often fail to promote the desolvation process that eventually induces Zn dendrite growth. Herein, a bi-functional protective layer, comprising a finger-like porous matrix of polysulfone (PSF) and a hydroxyl-rich filler of agarose (AG), is constructed to suppress Zn dendrite growth. COMSOL simulation demonstrates the ZMAs with bi-functional protective layers (Zn@PSF/AG) exhibit uniform electric field and Zn2+ distribution. Besides, the Zn@PSF/AG has both low desolvation energy and nucleation overpotential, effectively promoting the desolvation of Zn2+. Therefore, the Zn@PSF/AG symmetric cell exhibits excellent cycling performance, achieving 4200h at 1mA cm-2/1 mAh cm-2 and 1000h at 5mA cm-2/5 mAh cm-2. When coupling with ZnxV2O5 (ZnVO) cathode, the ZnVO‖Zn@PSF/AG full cell shows similarly high cycling stability, maintaining 72% of its capacity after 7000 cycles at 10 A g-1. This research highlights the positive roles of PBAP layer with multi-functional matrix-filler structure in developing long-life ZIBs.