New Type of Dynamically "Solid-Liquid" Interconvertible Electrolyte for High-Rate Zn Metal Battery

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• High-rate aqueous zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) face limitations due to dendrite formation.
• Developing electrolytes that suppress dendrites while maintaining conductivity is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel electrolyte for high-rate ZMBs.
• To investigate an electrolyte with tunable mechanical properties for dendrite suppression.

Main Methods:

• Development of a non-Newtonian fluid electrolyte (NNFE) with dynamic "solid-liquid" properties.
• Testing of NNFE in zinc symmetrical cells at high current densities.
• Evaluation of NNFE in a full cell configuration (Zn//Na5V12O32).

Main Results:

• NNFE exhibits favorable liquidity for electrochemical kinetics and interfacial compatibility.
• NNFE mechanically stiffens under high current rates, effectively inhibiting Zn dendrite growth.
• Stable cycling over 20,000 cycles in a Zn symmetrical cell at 50 mA cm-2.
• Long-term cycling (5000 periods at 5 A g-1) in a Zn//NVO full cell.

Conclusions:

• The proposed NNFE offers a promising solution for high-rate ZMBs.
• This electrolyte design opens new avenues for developing advanced metal batteries.