Lean-water Hydrogel Electrolyte for Zinc Ion Batteries

Overview

Journal Nat Commun

Specialty Biology

Date 2023 Jul 1

PMID 37393327

Authors

Yanbo Wang

Qing Li

Hu Hong

Shuo Yang

Rong Zhang

Xiaoqi Wang

Xu Jin

Bo Xiong

Shengchi Bai

Chunyi Zhi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) and hydrogel electrolytes were developed as electrolytes for zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). Hydrogels can retain water molecules and provide high ionic conductivities; however, they contain many free water molecules, inevitably causing side reactions on the zinc anode. SPEs can enhance the stability of anodes, but they typically possess low ionic conductivities and result in high impedance. Here, we develop a lean water hydrogel electrolyte, aiming to balance ion transfer, anode stability, electrochemical stability window and resistance. This hydrogel is equipped with a molecular lubrication mechanism to ensure fast ion transportation. Additionally, this design leads to a widened electrochemical stability window and highly reversible zinc plating/ stripping. The full cell shows excellent cycling stability and capacity retentions at high and low current rates, respectively. Moreover, superior adhesion ability can be achieved, meeting the needs of flexible devices.

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