Research Topic: Spacer-Engineered Ionic Channels in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Stable Zinc Batteries

With the increasing demand for sustainable energy storage, improving battery efficiency and stability has become essential. Therefore, my PhD project focuses on developing Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) to enhance zinc-ion batteries, particularly by stabilizing the zinc anode. A major challenge in these batteries is the formation of dendrites, which compromise durability and overall functionality. To prevent this, a protective layer with controlled ion transport properties is crucial. COFs, with their customizable structures and tunable functional groups, are promising materials for designing stable and conductive coatings. By tailoring the ionic transport channels within the COF structure through spacer engineering and functionalization, ion mobility can be optimized, facilitating homogeneous Zn²⁺ deposition and improving anode stability. This research combines organic synthesis of COF monomers and material chemistry to create COF thin films as protective layers. Electrochemical testing is used to evaluate their performance and effectiveness. COF-based protective layers could thus represent a key strategy for enhancing the lifespan of zinc-ion batteries.