Rational Electrode–Electrolyte Design for Long-Life Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Due to its high theoretical energy density, good safety, and availability, as well as low cost, the rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion battery is considered one of the most promising systems for the next generation of energy storage devices. However, due to the strong electrostatic interaction between Zn 2+ and host and the proton/Zn 2+ cointercalation in aqueous media, the development of a zinc-ion battery with high capacity and a long lifetime remains an uphill task. In this work, a novel electrode−electrolyte design is employed by using a ZIF/ Zn heterostructure as a microporous host matrix and an organic zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate as the constituent of the electrolyte. A zincion battery based on the ZIF/Zn heterostructure anode delivers a specific capacity of 149 mAh g −1 and maintains a retention as high as 80% after 330 cycles at 1 A g −1 . The synergistic effect of microstructural ZIF and hydrophobic trifluoromethanesulfonate anions creates a unique electrode−electrolyte interface, which suppresses the formation of dendrites and self-discharge of the Zn anode, resulting in the long cycling stability of the aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Advanced Aqueous Ammonium-Ion Batteries Enabled by Hydrogen Bond Modulation

“…Aqueous ion batteries (AIBs) appear attractive in the energy storage field, particularly in large-scale energy storage, because of their intrinsic merits such as cost-effectiveness and high safety. − Conventionally, metallic ions, that is, Li + , Na + , K + , Zn 2+ , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Al 3+ , are considered as charge carriers and have been well-studied. − Nevertheless, potential problems such as earth abundance and metal contamination have somewhat raised people’s concerns about metal-ion batteries . Alternatively, the nonmetallic ammonium ion is being energetically investigated for AIBs because of its reproducible and environmentally friendly nature. − In addition, the NH 4 + ion exhibits exciting physicochemical properties, including low molar mass (18 g mol –1 ) and small hydrated radius (3.31 Å). , To date, several pioneering works have proved the possibility of aqueous ammonium-ion batteries (AAIBs) by developing Prussian blue analogues, metal oxides, and organic materials as electrodes. − However, these AAIBs still suffer from low working voltage window and capacity, which hinder the further application of AAIBs.…”

Coral-Like Hierarchical Nanostructured ZnMn2O4/Mn2O3 Composites Synthesized by Zinc-Absent Method as a High-Performance Cathode Material for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…38 Due to the high activity of zinc anode, the corrosion of water seriously affects the application of zinc anode. [39][40][41] The linear polarization curves of zinc foil in different electrolytes were tested, and the corrosion potential was obtained by Tafel fitting (Fig. S1 (available online at stacks.iop.org/JES/169/050530/mmedia)).…”

A Long‐Overlooked Pitfall in Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries: Proper Electrode Balancing

“…[44] Although the zinc triflate electrolyte has only recently been introduced into the field of rechargeable zinc-air batteries, zinc triflate is already widely used as an electrolyte in zinc-ion battery research. [78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96] By using the zinc triflate electrolyte for zinc-air batteries, a change from OH − ion conduction to Zn 2+ ion conduction is carried out, as is the case with the zinc-ion battery. The combination of a zinc anode, a Zn 2+ -containing electrolyte and a gas diffusion cathode can therefore be understood as a hybrid technology of zinc-air and zinc-ion battery, allowing to exploit the advantages of both battery systems.…”