Dissolution, solvation and diffusion in low-temperature zinc electrolyte design

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-based batteries are promising for energy storage but face challenges with electrolyte freezing and slow kinetics at low temperatures.
• Developing cold-resistant electrolytes is essential for expanding the operational range of these batteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental parameters for designing anti-freezing aqueous zinc electrolytes.
• To evaluate strategies for enhancing electrolyte performance in cold environments.
• To identify future research directions for cold-resistant zinc battery electrolytes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of zinc salt dissolution and solvation behaviors.
• Investigation of anion and additive effects on electrolyte properties (solubility, ion diffusion, freezing point).
• Evaluation of cation-anion-solvent interactions and low-temperature performance strategies.

Main Results:

• Understanding salt properties, anion/additive effects, and solvation structures is key to designing anti-freezing electrolytes.
• Strategies exist to improve zinc plating/stripping kinetics and cathode charge storage at low temperatures.
• Current challenges in cold-resistant electrolyte formulation were identified.

Conclusions:

• Further research into cold-resistant aqueous electrolyte formulations is needed for practical zinc battery applications in diverse climates.
• Optimizing electrolyte composition and understanding interfacial phenomena are critical for overcoming low-temperature limitations.
• This review provides a roadmap for developing robust zinc-based energy storage systems.