Gel Polymer Electrolyte toward Large‐Scale Application of Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Abstract

Aqueous zinc batteries are promising candidates for energy storage and conversion devices in the “post‐lithium” era due to their high energy density, high safety, and low cost. The electrolyte plays an important role in zinc batteries by conducting and separating the positive and negative electrodes. However, the issues of zinc dendrites growth, corrosion, by‐product formation, hydrogen evolution and leakage, and evaporation of the aqueous electrolytes affect the commercialization of the batteries. Moreover, the widely used aqueous electrolytes result in large battery sizes, which are not conducive to the emerging smart devices. The intrinsic properties of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) can solve the above problems. In order to promote the wider application of GPEs‐based zinc batteries, in this review, the working principle and the current problems of zinc batteries are first introduced, andthe merits of GPEs compared to aqueous electrolytes are then summarized. Subsequently, a series of challenges and corresponding strategies faced by GPE is discussed, and an outlook for its future development is finally proposed.

The AA7075–CS1018 Galvanic Couple under Evaporating Droplets

“…These factors lead to the consistent behavior of the AA7075 surface [55]. On the other hand, as the free water content decreases, it promotes the de-solvation and uniform deposition of ions, which also enhances ionic conductivity [56]. As a result, a higher galvanic current was observed when the gel electrolyte was used (Figure 4b) in comparison to when liquid-gel electrolytes were used (Figure 4a).…”

Critical insights into the recent advancements and future prospects of zinc ion battery electrolytes in aqueous systems

“…8 The electrolyte in ZIBs serves as a crucial component, facilitating the transport of Zn 2+ between the cathode and anode, thereby influencing electrochemically stable potential windows (ESPWs) and coulombic efficiencies (CE) for Zn 2+ storage. 9 Various electrolytes have been explored for ZIBs, including aqueous (e.g., 3 M Zn(CF 3 SO 3 ) 2 , H 2 O), 10 ionic liquids (e.g., 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium dicyanamide + Zn (CH 3 COO) 2 , 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide), 11 organic (e.g., 1-phenylethylamine hydrochloride), 12 gel (e.g., polyethylene glycol methacrylate), 13 and quasi-solid/all-solid formulations (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide). 14 Among these, waterbased electrolytes stand out for their enhanced safety, environmental friendliness, and economic viability.…”

“…, 1-phenylethylamine hydrochloride), 12 gel ( e.g. , polyethylene glycol methacrylate), 13 and quasi-solid/all-solid formulations ( e.g. , dimethyl sulfoxide).…”

MOF-modified dendrite-free gel polymer electrolyte for zinc-ion batteries

“…In addition, due to its threedimensional network structure, the gel polymer electrolyte can inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites in zinc-ion batteries. 33,34 Most current aqueous zinc-ion batteries still have various challenges at low temperatures, especially the sharp drop in ionic conductivity at low temperatures. Therefore, addressing the low conductivity of electrolytes at low temperatures is an important aspect.…”

“…In addition, due to its three-dimensional network structure, the gel polymer electrolyte can inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites in zinc-ion batteries. 33,34…”