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Modulating the Electrolyte Inner Solvation Structure via Low Polarity Cosolvent for Low-Temperature Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
  • +6
  • Yongchao Kang,
  • Feng Zhang,
  • Houzhen Li,
  • Wangran Wei,
  • Huitong Dong,
  • Hao Chen,
  • Yuanhua Sang,
  • Hong Liu,
  • Shuhua Wang
Yongchao Kang
Shandong University
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Feng Zhang
Shandong University
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Houzhen Li
Shandong University
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Wangran Wei
Shandong University
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Huitong Dong
Shandong University
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Hao Chen
Shandong University
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Yuanhua Sang
Shandong University
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Hong Liu
Shandong University
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Shuhua Wang
Shandong University

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Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as the promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems owing to low cost and high safety; however, their applications are restricted by their poor low-temperature performance. Herein, a low-temperature electrolyte for low-temperature AZIBs is designed by introducing low-polarity diglyme (DGM) into an aqueous solution of Zn(ClO4)2. The DGM disrupts the hydrogen-bonding network of water and lowers the freezing point of the electrolyte to -105 °C. The designed electrolyte achieves ionic conductivity up to 16.18 mS cm-1 at -45 °C. The DGM and ClO4- reconfigure the solvated structure of Zn2+, which is more favorable for the desolvation of Zn2+ at low temperatures. In addition, the DGM effectively suppresses the dendrites, hydrogen evolution reaction, and by-products of the zinc anode, improving the cycle stability of the battery. At -20 °C, a Zn||Zn symmetrical cell is cycled for 4,500 h at 1 mA cm-2 and 1 mA h cm-2, and a Zn|| polyaniline (PANI) battery achieves an ultra-long cycle life of 10,000 times. This study sheds light on the future design of electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and easy desolvation at low temperatures for rechargeable batteries.
30 Oct 2023Submitted to Energy & Environmental Materials
01 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
01 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor
01 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Nov 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor