Möbius Solvation Structure for Zinc-Ion Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Aqueous electrolytes in zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) face challenges with water molecules, impacting anode/cathode stability and low-temperature performance.
• Existing electrolytes often require surfactants, increasing cost and complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pioneer a novel water-in-oil type Möbius polarity topological solvation structure for ZIB electrolytes.
• To develop a surfactant-free microemulsion electrolyte (SFMEE) that enhances ZIB performance and stability.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of surfactant-free microemulsion electrolytes (SFMEE) using oil, water, and amphiphilic salts.
• Characterization of the Möbius solvation structure, focusing on its inner/outer layers and polarity inversion.
• Application and testing of SFMEE in zinc-ion batteries (Zn||NVO cells).

Main Results:

• The developed SFMEE exhibits a unique Möbius solvation structure, effectively restricting water and stabilizing interfaces.
• SFMEE demonstrates excellent universality and durability when applied to ZIBs.
• Zn||NVO cells with SFMEE achieved stable cycling for 4000 cycles, retaining 86.8% capacity at 125 mAh g⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• The discovery of the Möbius solvation structure offers a new paradigm for electrolyte design in energy storage.
• SFMEE technology paves the way for next-generation high-performance and stable zinc-ion batteries.