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Synergistic Chaotropic Effect and Cathode Interface Thermal Release Effect Enabling Ultralow Temperature Aqueous Zinc
Qi Dong1, Huaisheng Ao1, Zili Qin1
1Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|September 15, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a new aqueous electrolyte for zinc-ion batteries that operates below -40°C. By adding urea and zinc perchlorate, they significantly lowered the freezing point, enabling reliable cold-weather energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries offer potential for next-generation energy storage.
- Their practical application is hindered by poor performance at subzero temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an aqueous electrolyte for zinc-ion batteries with enhanced low-temperature performance.
- To investigate a strategy for reducing the freezing point of aqueous electrolytes.
Main Methods:
- Addition of synergistic chaotropic agents (urea and Zn(ClO4)2) to disrupt the hydrogen-bond network of the aqueous electrolyte.
- Testing of Zn//VO2 batteries at -40°C.
Main Results:
- The electrolyte's freezing point was reduced to below -90°C.
- Zn//VO2 batteries demonstrated a specific capacity of 111.4 mAh g⁻¹ at -40°C.
- The batteries maintained 81.9% capacity retention after approximately 1000 cycles at -40°C.
Conclusions:
- Synergistic chaotropic and thermal effects can significantly widen the operating temperature range of aqueous electrolytes.
- This strategy enables fast kinetics and provides a new design approach for all-weather aqueous zinc batteries.
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