Research Article
Cationic Quaternized Cellulose Separator Enables Selective Polyiodide Regulation for Stable Lithium-Iodine Batteries
Changyong Song,
Xuejin Li,
Wei Xing*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
74-81
Received:
2 June 2026
Accepted:
25 June 2026
Published:
6 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajese.20261003.11
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Abstract: The growing demand of safe and high-energy-density energy storage has spurred renewed interest in rechargeable lithium-iodine (Li-I2) batteries, which are attractive due to their high theoretical capacity (211 mAh g-1 based on iodine) and fast iodine redox reaction kinetics that enable high power output. However, the severe shuttle effect caused by soluble polyiodide intermediates significantly limits the electrochemical reversibility and cycling stability of these batteries. Herein, a cationic quaternized cellulose separator (QCP) is developed to regulate polyiodide transport and interfacial conversion behavior in Li-I2 batteries. Owing to the introduced quaternary ammonium functional groups, the QCP separator exhibits strong electrostatic interactions with negatively charged polyiodide species, effectively inhibiting their diffusion and stabilizing the iodine redox chemistry. Compared with pristine glass fiber (GF) and cellulose separators (CP), the QCP separator demonstrates higher ionic conductivity, increased lithium-ion transference number, reduced interfacial resistance, and improved electrochemical stability. Consequently, Li-I2 batteries assembled with the QCP separator show significantly enhanced cycling stability, superior rate capability, and improved reaction kinetics. Moreover, the QCP separator enables more stable lithium deposition/stripping behavior and enhances interfacial compatibility with the lithium metal anode. This work demonstrates an effective strategy for constructing selective ion-regulating interfaces through cationic cellulose engineering and provides new insights for separator design in advanced halogen-based energy storage systems.
Abstract: The growing demand of safe and high-energy-density energy storage has spurred renewed interest in rechargeable lithium-iodine (Li-I2) batteries, which are attractive due to their high theoretical capacity (211 mAh g-1 based on iodine) and fast iodine redox reaction kinetics that enable high power output. However, the severe shuttle effect caused by...
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