Efficient Catalytic Sulfur Conversion in Aqueous Zinc-Sulfur Batteries Mediated by Iodide-Coupled Ether Groups

A novel aqueous electrolyte incorporating tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (G4) and trace amounts of ZnI2 (HSG-I) is presented to enhance the sulfur conversion reversibility. G4 improves kinetics, stabilizes the interfaces, and enables uniform zinc deposition. Crucially, G4's ether groups coordinate I-, mediating reversible I-/I3- transformation to ensure efficient sulfur redox chemistry.