Tailoring Water-in-DMSO Electrolyte for Ultra-stable Rechargeable Zinc Batteries

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Rechargeable zinc batteries (RZBs) face challenges with Zn anode instability and cathode deterioration in aqueous electrolytes due to water decomposition.
• These issues limit the practical application and lifespan of RZBs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a non-flammable water-in-dimethyl sulfoxide electrolyte for RZBs.
• To address the limitations of traditional aqueous electrolytes and improve battery performance and stability.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a water-in-dimethyl sulfoxide electrolyte.
• Utilized X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in situ techniques, and computational simulations.
• Fabricated and tested Zn-Zn symmetric cells and Zn-VO2 full batteries.

Main Results:

• The electrolyte significantly suppressed water activity, reducing side reactions and enhancing Zn anode reversibility.
• Minimized cathode dissolution and proton intercalation, leading to improved structural integrity.
• Achieved prolonged lifespan for Zn-Zn symmetric cells (>10000 h at 0.5 mA cm⁻²) and stable cycling in Zn-VO2 full batteries.

Conclusions:

• The developed water-in-dimethyl sulfoxide electrolyte effectively resolves key challenges in RZBs.
• In situ formed hybrid solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) contributes to enhanced battery stability and longevity.
• This work offers valuable insights for designing high-performance rechargeable zinc batteries.