Concentration-function coupled electrolytes harmonize thermodynamics and kinetics for stable zinc metal batteries

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Zinc-based aqueous batteries (ZABs) face limitations in thermodynamic stability and electrochemical kinetics.
• Current electrolyte strategies struggle to simultaneously address bulk and interfacial challenges in ZABs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a concentration-function coupled electrolyte strategy for synergistic regulation of Zn2+ bulk and interfacial behaviors.
• To achieve a balance between thermodynamics and kinetics for improved ZAB performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing variations in molecular dipole moment, polarity, and concentration to control Zn2+ coordination and interfacial affinity.
• Employing high-concentration bulk-phase regulators to suppress hydrogen evolution and zinc corrosion.
• Using low-concentration interfacial regulators to promote uniform Zn deposition.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated ultra-stable zinc anodes at room and low temperatures.
• Achieved 95% capacity retention over 4600 cycles in Zn‖ZnxV2O5·nH2O full cells.
• Successfully balanced thermodynamic stability and kinetic performance in ZABs.

Conclusions:

• The concentration-function coupled electrolyte strategy offers a new paradigm for ZAB electrolyte design.
• This approach provides key insights for developing durable, high-performance ZABs.
• The strategy enables independent yet synergistic regulation of bulk and interfacial properties.