Robust Piezoelectric-Derived Bilayer Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Zn Anodes Operating from -60 to 60 °C.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Limited research exists on zinc-ion battery (ZIB) reversibility and cycling stability across wide temperature ranges.
• Gel electrolytes face challenges in maintaining interface stability with zinc metal anodes under varying conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a multicomponent gel electrolyte that overcomes interface stability issues for zinc anodes in ZIBs.
• To enhance the performance of ZIBs under high current densities and extreme temperatures.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a gel electrolyte via polymerization of poly(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) within a polyimide fiber network.
• Investigated the electrolyte's ability to facilitate hydrogen-free and dendrite-free zinc deposition/stripping.
• Analyzed the self-adaptive bilayer solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and its composition.

Main Results:

• Achieved hydrogen-free and dendrite-free Zn deposition/stripping over 4350 hours at 1 mA cm⁻² and over 1500 hours from -60 to 60 °C.
• Demonstrated sustained operation at 20 mA cm⁻².
• The fluorine-rich electrolyte formed a bilayer SEI (ZnF₂-ZnS-ZnO-ZnCO₃) that suppressed side reactions and guided uniform Zn deposition.
• All-solid-state ZIBs with an iodine cathode showed remarkable cycling stability: 36,500 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹ (30 °C) and 1500 cycles at -30 °C.

Conclusions:

• The developed multicomponent gel electrolyte significantly improves interfacial stability for zinc anodes in ZIBs.
• The electrolyte design and SEI modulation enable high-rate and wide-temperature performance, setting new benchmarks for ZIBs.
• This work provides a pathway for advancing interfacial engineering in energy storage devices for demanding applications.