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Synthesis of Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes, Assembly of Li-ion Batteries, and Measurements of Performance at High Temperature
Published on: December 20, 2016
Hydrophobic liquid electrolyte interphases for efficient aqueous zinc batteries
Guanjie Li1, Shilin Zhang2, Jodie A Yuwono1
1School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Information Technology, Adelaide University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Nature Nanotechnology
|June 1, 2026
Summary
New ether-based additives enhance aqueous zinc battery performance by expanding the electrochemical stability window to 3.08 V. This approach improves ionic conductivity and cycle life, enabling safer, high-performance batteries.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Expanding the electrochemical stability window of aqueous electrolytes is crucial for improving battery performance.
- Water-in-salt electrolytes offer a wider window but suffer from reduced conductivity and increased cost.
- Developing cost-effective additives is essential to overcome these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce novel hydrophobic and electrode-philic ether-based additives for aqueous zinc electrolytes.
- To enhance the electrochemical stability and performance of zinc-based batteries.
- To circumvent the conductivity reduction and cost issues associated with water-in-salt electrolytes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3-molal aqueous zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate electrolyte solutions with ether-based additives.
- Investigated additives with weak Zn-ion solvation capability, soluble at low concentrations (<2 mol%).
- Analyzed additive adsorption on electrode surfaces and their effect on the electrochemical stability window and ionic conductivity.
Main Results:
- Additives inhibited zinc dendrite growth and formed a liquid electrolyte interphase.
- Extended the electrochemical stability window to 3.08 V.
- Achieved high bulk ionic conductivity (54 mS cm⁻¹ at 25 °C) and non-flammability.
- Demonstrated 500 stable cycles (99.95% average Coulombic efficiency) in a Zn||NaV3O8 pouch cell.
- Reported 80% capacity retention at 500 mA g⁻¹ and an initial specific energy of 132 Wh kg⁻¹.
Conclusions:
- Ether-based additives offer a viable strategy to enhance aqueous zinc battery performance.
- The nanoengineered electrolyte approach enables high ionic conductivity, a wide electrochemical stability window, and improved cycle life.
- This method provides a promising pathway for developing safer and more efficient aqueous energy storage systems.
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