Rechargeable Zinc-Aqueous Polysulfide Battery with a Mediator-Ion Solid Electrolyte

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Grid-scale energy storage demands cost-effective, high-energy-density solutions.
• Rechargeable batteries are crucial for stabilizing electric grids with renewable energy integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel rechargeable zinc-aqueous polysulfide battery system.
• To address polysulfide crossover and maintain electrochemical performance in aqueous batteries.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a metallic zinc anode and an alkali-metal-ion solid-state electrolyte (Na+ or Li+).
• Separating the anode from a liquid aqueous polysulfide catholyte with the solid-state electrolyte.

Main Results:

• Achieved a reversible discharge capacity of 822 mA h g⁻¹.
• Demonstrated nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency.
• The solid-state electrolyte effectively prevented polysulfide crossover.

Conclusions:

• The developed zinc-aqueous polysulfide battery with a solid-state electrolyte is a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage.
• This system offers a viable pathway towards low-cost, high-energy-density grid storage solutions.