Multiscale dual-network cellulose hydrogel electrolytes for dendrite-free Zn anode

Aoxue Lang; Zhiying Liang; Wu Yang; Ziyu Guo; Kasim Ocakoglu; Emmanuel Iwuoha; Ruidong Xia; Xinwen Peng

doi:10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100232

Volume 11 Issue 2

May 2026

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Aoxue Lang, Zhiying Liang, Wu Yang, Ziyu Guo, Kasim Ocakoglu, Emmanuel Iwuoha, Ruidong Xia, Xinwen Peng. Multiscale dual-network cellulose hydrogel electrolytes for dendrite-free Zn anode[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(2): 100232. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100232

Citation:

Aoxue Lang, Zhiying Liang, Wu Yang, Ziyu Guo, Kasim Ocakoglu, Emmanuel Iwuoha, Ruidong Xia, Xinwen Peng. Multiscale dual-network cellulose hydrogel electrolytes for dendrite-free Zn anode[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(2): 100232. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100232

Citation:

Aoxue Lang, Zhiying Liang, Wu Yang, Ziyu Guo, Kasim Ocakoglu, Emmanuel Iwuoha, Ruidong Xia, Xinwen Peng. Multiscale dual-network cellulose hydrogel electrolytes for dendrite-free Zn anode[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(2): 100232. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100232

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Multiscale dual-network cellulose hydrogel electrolytes for dendrite-free Zn anode

doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100232

a School of Light Industry and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Papermaking and Paper-based Materials, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China;
b Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China;
c Department of Engineering Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Tarsus University, Tarsus 33400, Turkey;
d Department of Chemistry, Sensor Lab (UWC Sensor Laboratories), University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
e State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China

Funds:

We are grateful for the financial support by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32401519, No 32471811, and No 32201499), Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (No. 2023B1515040013, No 2025A1515011107, and No 2024A1515011229), National Key Research and Development Project (No. 2023YFE0109600), Guangzhou Key Research and Development Program (No. 2023B03J1330), State Key Laboratory of Advanced Papermaking and Paper-based Materials (No. 2024C04), and Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (No. 2024A04J3413 and No 2024A04J3704).

Received Date: 2025-09-03
Accepted Date: 2025-12-20
Rev Recd Date: 2025-11-24

Available Online: 2026-05-07

Publish Date: 2026-01-12

Abstract

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as promising energy storage systems owing to their high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their practical application faces critical challenges, including the formation of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of parasitic side reactions. These phenomena not only hinder ion transport kinetics but also cause rapid capacity decay and potential battery failure. To address these limitations, we developed a sustainable double-crosslinked cellulose hydrogel electrolyte by integrating micron-sized cellulose and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). The hydrogel electrolyte, constructed from cellulose components with distinct size scales, exhibits a well-organized hierarchical porous network structure, which significantly facilitates the migration of zinc ions. Specifically, nanocellulose serves as a reinforcing filler that enhances the mechanical strength of the dual-network electrolyte, thereby inhibiting Zn dendrite growth. Additionally, abundant carboxyl polar functional groups were also introduced as high-affinity Zn²⁺ binding sites to mitigate side reactions. Consequently, the assembled Zn//Zn symmetric cells with this electrolyte demonstrate superior cycling stability exceeding 1100 h at current density of 0.5 mA/cm², along with a high-capacity retention of 79.9% after 1000 cycles in the Zn//V₂O₅ battery. Furthermore, this cellulose hydrogel electrolyte is easily accessible and biodegradable, paving the way for the scalable production of high-performance and environmentally friendly energy storage devices.
- Cellulose nanofibers,
- Cellulose hydrogel electrolyte,
- Double-crosslinked,
- Sustainable,
- Zinc-ion batteries

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References(60)

References

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