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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
11:04
Synthesis of Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes, Assembly of Li-ion Batteries, and Measurements of Performance at High Temperature
Published on: December 20, 2016
Configurational Entropy Engineering in Electrolyte Solvation Sheaths for Durable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Zhizhong Wu1,2, Hamdy Khamees Thabet3, Jianwei Guo1
1School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a thermodynamic framework for aqueous batteries by increasing configurational entropy. This approach enhances metal anode stability and performance, moving beyond empirical electrolyte design.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Thermodynamics
Background:
- Metal anode stability in aqueous batteries is limited by solvation environments.
- Current electrolyte design is largely empirical and lacks theoretical guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a thermodynamic framework for electrolyte engineering.
- To thermodynamically favor water-lean coordination structures for enhanced anode stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a thermodynamic principle of maximizing configurational entropy.
- Employed a combination of DMSO and DMAc solvents with complementary properties.
- Validated entropy gain using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC).
Main Results:
- Achieved increased configurational entropy (ΔS) and reduced Gibbs free energy (ΔG) for water-deficient solvation complexes.
- Suppressed water activity and formed a gradient solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).
- Demonstrated exceptional Zn anode durability (>3100 h) and pouch cell performance (60.2% capacity after 480 cycles).
Conclusions:
- An entropy-centric design principle transforms electrolyte engineering towards guided materials discovery.
- This approach has implications for various metal anodes facing solvation challenges.
- Offers a pathway beyond trial-and-error for developing stable aqueous batteries.
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