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A Zinc Solvation-Tailored Deep Eutectic Electrolyte for High-Performance Zinc-Ion Batteries
Jiawei Yan1,2, Xiliang Zhao2, Jingjing Feng1
1Institute of Energy Materials Science (IEMS), University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, P.R. China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel deep eutectic electrolyte (OUD-122) for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). This advanced electrolyte suppresses parasitic reactions, enhancing battery lifespan and performance for safer, cost-effective energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) offer a safe and economical alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
- Key limitations of AZIBs include parasitic reactions like hydrogen evolution and dendrite growth due to water's reactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel nonhydrated deep eutectic electrolyte (DES) to overcome the limitations of traditional aqueous electrolytes in AZIBs.
- To investigate the coordination structure and electrochemical performance of the new DES.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a ternary DES (OUD-122) using Zn(OTf)2, urea, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in a 1:2:2 molar ratio.
- Characterization of the DES solvation structure and hydrogen-bond network.
- Electrochemical testing of Zn||Zn symmetric cells, Zn||Cu asymmetric cells, and Zn||Prussian Blue full cells.
Main Results:
- The OUD-122 electrolyte demonstrated a well-defined solvation structure and an extended hydrogen-bond network, suppressing parasitic reactions.
- Zn||Zn symmetric cells achieved over 3000 hours of stable cycling.
- Zn||Cu asymmetric cells maintained 98.4% average Coulombic efficiency over 400 cycles.
- Zn||Prussian Blue full cells showed excellent long-term stability (82.5 mAh g-1 over 5000 cycles) and thermal resilience.
Conclusions:
- The novel DES effectively mitigates parasitic reactions and expands the electrochemical stability window of AZIBs.
- OUD-122 enables high-performance and long-lasting AZIBs with improved safety and cost-effectiveness.
- This work presents a promising electrolyte strategy for advanced aqueous energy storage systems.
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