Part 4/10:
The polymer coating applies a dual-action solution to the zinc anode. It forms a protective film that facilitates zinc ion movement while repelling water; thus, it mitigates the impacts of HER. The polymer's nanochannel structure enhances the flow of zinc ions, reducing energy loss and preventing dendrite accumulation that often compromises battery integrity. By addressing the root causes of dendrite formation and corrosion, TUM has made significant strides towards creating a battery that could last for up to 100,000 cycles—a feat unimaginable with conventional lithium-ion technologies, which typically last a few thousand cycles.