Polymer hetero-electrolyte enabled solid-state 2.4-V Zn/Li hybrid batteries.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• High redox potential of Zn leads to low voltage and energy density in Zn batteries.
• Utilizing high-voltage cathodes like LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) is hindered by Zn2+ ion immobilization and irreversibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a novel electrolyte enabling high-voltage and stable Zn batteries.
• To overcome the limitations of Zn2+ ion immobilization in high-voltage cathodes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a polymer hetero-electrolyte with distinct anode and cathode layers.
• The anode layer utilizes Zn2+ ions as charge carriers.
• The cathode layer is engineered to block Zn2+ ion shuttling, allowing separate Zn and Li reversibility.

Main Results:

• The developed Zn‖LNMO cell achieved a 2.4 V discharge voltage.
• Demonstrated 450 stable cycles with high reversible capacity.
• A scale-up pouch cell maintained performance and showed low self-discharge after 28 days.

Conclusions:

• The designed polymer hetero-electrolyte facilitates separated Zn and Li reversibility.
• This approach enables the development of high-voltage Zn batteries with reversible lithiated cathodes.
• The technology shows promise for demanding energy storage applications.