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Synthesis of Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes, Assembly of Li-ion Batteries, and Measurements of Performance at High Temperature
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A universal strategy towards high-energy aqueous multivalent-ion batteries
Xiao Tang1, Dong Zhou2, Bao Zhang3,4
1Centre for Clean Energy Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Nature Communications
|May 18, 2021
Summary
Aqueous multivalent-ion batteries offer a safer, low-cost alternative for energy storage. This study demonstrates high performance using sulfur cathodes and metal oxide anodes in concentrated electrolytes.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Rechargeable multivalent metal batteries are promising for grid-scale energy storage due to low cost.
- Challenges include poor reversibility, dendrite formation, sluggish ion kinetics, and electrolyte incompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop aqueous multivalent-ion batteries as a safer alternative to non-aqueous systems.
- To address limitations of traditional multivalent metal batteries.
Main Methods:
- Utilized concentrated aqueous gel electrolytes with sulfur-containing anodes and high-voltage metal oxide cathodes.
- Conducted molecular dynamics modeling and experimental investigations.
- Demonstrated calcium-ion/sulfur||metal oxide, magnesium-ion/sulfur||metal oxide, and aluminum-ion/sulfur||metal oxide full cells.
Main Results:
- Achieved satisfactory specific energy, favorable reversibility, and improved safety.
- Demonstrated a room-temperature calcium-ion/sulfur||metal oxide cell with 110 Wh kg⁻¹ specific energy and excellent cycling stability.
- Identified suppressed water activity and protective solid electrolyte interphase formation as key to restraining side reactions.
Conclusions:
- Rationally designed aqueous multivalent-ion battery chemistry offers a viable path for advanced energy storage.
- The developed system exhibits enhanced safety and electrochemical performance compared to non-aqueous counterparts.
- This work highlights the potential of aqueous systems for scalable and sustainable energy storage solutions.
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