A Liquid Crystal Ionomer-Type Electrolyte toward Ordering-Induced Regulation for Highly Reversible Zinc Ion Battery

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Developing stable electrolytes is crucial for advancing zinc ion batteries.
• Current electrolytes often lack controlled water activity and ordered interfaces.
• Liquid crystal ionomers offer potential for structured electrolyte design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a fluorine-free liquid crystal (LC) ionomer-type zinc electrolyte.
• To achieve simultaneous regulation of water activity and long-range ordering of conduction channels and SEI.
• To improve the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of zinc ion batteries.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a fluorine-free liquid crystal ionomer electrolyte.
• Investigated water activity regulation and its effect on conductivity and electrochemical window.
• Fabricated Zn|Zn symmetric cells and V2O5/Zn cells to evaluate performance.
• Analyzed the structure of water channels and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) using advanced techniques.

Main Results:

• Achieved long-range ordering of layered water channels, distinct from previous methods.
• Tuned ionic conductivity (0.34–15 mS cm⁻¹) and electrochemical window (2.3–4.3 V) by manipulating water activity.
• Demonstrated highly reversible Zn stripping/plating for 800 hours in Zn|Zn cells.
• Observed in situ formation of a long-range ordered SEI layer.
• V2O5/Zn cells showed significantly improved cycling stability compared to conventional electrolytes.

Conclusions:

• The developed LC electrolyte enables precise control over water activity and interfacial structure.
• Long-range ordering of water channels and SEI enhances ion transport and electrochemical stability.
• This approach provides a viable pathway for developing high-performance aqueous rechargeable batteries.