In Situ Initiator-Free Self-Polymerizing Gel Electrolytes Under Ambient Conditions Enabling Sustainable Aqueous Zinc...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) face challenges like dendrite growth and side reactions, limiting their performance.
• Conventional in situ gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) often require harsh initiators and crosslinkers, leading to byproducts and poor ion transport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an initiator- and crosslinker-free in situ self-polymerizing GPE for AZMBs.
• To improve the stability, lifespan, and performance of AZMBs by addressing anode challenges.

Main Methods:

• Spontaneous polymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate in aqueous ZnSO4 solution under ambient conditions.
• Formation of a physically crosslinked GPE network through Zn2+-induced self-polymerization.
• Testing of Zn||Zn symmetric cells and Zn||VO2 full cells with the developed GPE.

Main Results:

• The GPE exhibits a high Zn2+ transference number (0.76) and forms a robust electrode-electrolyte interface.
• Zn||Zn symmetric cells demonstrate dendrite suppression and stable cycling over 4100 hours, including low-temperature operation (-10°C).
• Zn||VO2 full cells show excellent cycling stability with ~96% capacity retention.

Conclusions:

• The ZnSO4-induced self-polymerizing GPE offers a green, cost-effective, and high-performance solution for AZMBs.
• This approach overcomes limitations of conventional GPEs, enabling next-generation AZMBs.
• The strategy promotes sustainable battery technology by simplifying GPE fabrication and enhancing battery longevity.