Competitive Coordination Structure Regulation in Deep Eutectic Electrolyte for Stable Zinc Batteries.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Rechargeable zinc-based batteries offer cost-effective, safe, and scalable energy storage.
• Performance degradation due to unstable zinc anodes limits their widespread adoption.
• Lack of suitable electrolytes hinders zinc anode stabilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a novel electrolyte for stabilizing zinc anodes in rechargeable batteries.
• To enhance the electrochemical performance and cycling life of zinc-based batteries.
• To investigate the coordination structure and its impact on electrolyte properties.

Main Methods:

• Development of a quaternary hydrated eutectic electrolyte with a competitive coordination structure.
• Experimental characterization and computational analysis of the electrolyte's coordination chemistry.
• Electrochemical testing of zinc plating/stripping and zinc-organic batteries.

Main Results:

• The competitive coordination structure modifies the Zn2+ ion's coordination shell, enhancing cation-anion interactions.
• Hydration-deficient complexes broaden the electrochemical window and reduce free water activity.
• Formation of a robust hybrid organic-inorganic solid electrolyte interphase suppresses dendrite growth.
• Achieved stable Zn plating/stripping for 8000 cycles and a 10000-cycle lifespan for Zn-organic batteries.
• Demonstrated prominent performance benefits under harsh conditions (low N/P ratio, low temperature).

Conclusions:

• The competitive coordination strategy in eutectic electrolytes offers a new pathway for stabilizing zinc anodes.
• This approach significantly improves the Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability of zinc-based batteries.
• The developed electrolyte design principle holds promise for advancing next-generation energy storage systems.