(694f) Nanoscale Material Engineering for Deeply Rechargeable Aqueous Batteries

In response to the urgent need for safer, cost-effective, and high-performance energy storage, our research employs novel surface engineering strategies to enhance electrode materials across diverse battery chemistries. For nickel–metal hydride systems, we developed a hydrothermally synthesized LaF₃ coating on AB₅ hydrogen storage alloys that protects active material, extends cycle life, and maintains robust low-temperature discharge performance. Concurrently, we engineered aqueous zinc anodes for nickel–zinc batteries by integrating silver nanoparticle decoration with an ion-sieving carbon nanoshell to regulate zinc deposition and mitigate parasitic reactions, thereby boosting coulombic efficiency and durability. These combined approaches demonstrate how advanced materials synthesis and surface modifications can enable next-generation energy storage devices, advancing battery performance from the molecular to the systems level and reinforcing the transformative role of emerging materials in modern energy storage technologies.