Harnessing Stable Electrode-Electrolyte Interface/Interphase Dynamics via Electrolyte Additives: Rationalized...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for energy storage but face commercialization hurdles like zinc dendrites and poor cycling stability.
• The electrode-electrolyte interface (EEI) is critical, influencing reaction pathways and overall battery performance, especially depth of discharge (DOD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in electrolyte additive-mediated interface engineering for high-energy-density AZIBs.
• To systematically examine principles and methodologies for additive implementation and evaluation.
• To identify remaining challenges and future research directions for AZIB commercialization.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of recent research on electrolyte additives for AZIB interface engineering.
• Systematic examination of additive implementation principles and practical evaluation methodologies.
• Cataloging of characterization techniques and performance assessment protocols from lab to pilot scale.

Main Results:

• Electrolyte additives can effectively engineer the EEI, mitigating issues like zinc dendrites and enhancing cycling stability.
• Comparative analysis highlights the importance of scientifically grounded screening paradigms and standardized evaluation metrics.
• Progress in understanding interfacial chemistries is crucial for expanding and stabilizing reactive interfaces to improve DOD.

Conclusions:

• Interface engineering using electrolyte additives is vital for advancing high-energy-density AZIBs.
• Standardized evaluation metrics and scientifically grounded screening are needed to accelerate AZIB technology maturation.
• Overcoming remaining obstacles is essential for the practical deployment and commercialization of durable AZIB energy storage systems.