Electric Field-Guided Ion Orchestration for Multi-Chemistry Zinc Metal Batteries

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) face challenges like hydrogen evolution and dendrite formation due to uncontrolled ion distribution at interfaces.
• Nonaqueous cosolvents partially address these issues but do not fully eliminate persistent water activity and premature battery failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an electric field-guided ion orchestration (EF-IO) strategy to improve the stability and performance of ZMBs.
• To investigate the role of cation interfacial modifiers in reconfiguring electric double layers (EDLs) and solvation structures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized interfacial simulations and experimental investigations to analyze ion behavior and interfacial properties.
• Employed cation interfacial modifiers to guide ion distribution and reconfigure EDLs.
• Fabricated and tested Zn||Zn symmetric cells and Zn||V₁₀O₂₄·12H₂O full cells.

Main Results:

• The EF-IO strategy successfully diversified Zn²⁺/Na⁺ solvation configurations and homogenized electric fields.
• An organic-inorganic gradient solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) was formed, suppressing parasitic reactions and enabling dendrite-free zinc plating with 3400 hours of cyclability.
• Full cells demonstrated exceptional durability and wide-temperature adaptability (-45 to 55 °C).
• Achieved reversible anion storage using ClO₄^- in high-voltage organic cathodes.

Conclusions:

• The EF-IO strategy provides a novel approach to manage interfacial dynamics in ZMBs.
• This method enhances battery cyclability, durability, and temperature adaptability.
• The strategy opens new possibilities for high-voltage organic cathodes and versatile ZMB applications.