Comprehensive understanding of the roles of water molecules in aqueous Zn-ion batteries: from electrolytes to electrode materials
14 Jul 2021-Energy and Environmental Science (The Royal Society of Chemistry)-Vol. 14, Iss: 7, pp 3796-3839
TL;DR: In this article, the role of water molecules in rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) has been discussed from the perspective of the electrolyte, Zn anode, and cathode materials.
Abstract: Benefiting from loose assembly conditions, a high level of safety and environmentally friendly characteristics, rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted significant attention. The electrochemical kinetics and performance of the AZIBs are greatly affected by water in electrolytes or electrode materials. The corrosion and passivation of the Zn electrode caused by the inevitable solvation process of water molecules can lead to the growth of dendrites, thus resulting in a limited cycle life. Moreover, water in the electrode material, whether in the form of structural water or co-intercalated hydrated cations, can greatly affect the electrochemical behavior due to its small size, high polarity and hydrogen bonding. Unlike previous reports, this review focuses on the roles of water molecules during electrochemical processes in AZIBs. We comprehensively summarize the influencing mechanisms of water molecules during the energy storage process from the perspectives of the electrolyte, Zn anode, and cathode materials, and further include the basic theory, modification methods, and practical applications. The mystery concerning the water molecules and the electrochemical performance of AZIBs is revealed herein, and we also propose novel insights and actionable methods regarding the potential future directions in the design of high-performance AZIBs.
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TL;DR: In this paper , high safety and low cost aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are presented for grid-scale energy storage, whereas the corrosion, hydrogen evolution reaction and dendrites growth of Zn anodes plague their...
Abstract: High‐safety and low‐cost aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are an exceptionally compelling technology for grid‐scale energy storage, whereas the corrosion, hydrogen evolution reaction and dendrites growth of Zn anodes plague their...
171 citations
TL;DR: Aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZBBs) are attracting more and more attention for portable electronic equipment and large-scale energy storage due to their high energy density and low cost as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Rechargeable aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZBBs) are attracting more and more attention for portable electronic equipment and large-scale energy storage due to their high energy density and low cos...
107 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an antifreezing and self-adhesive polyzwitterionic hydrogel electrolyte (PZHE) is engineered via a self-catalytic nano-reinforced strategy, affording unparalleled conductivity and robust interfacial adhesion.
Abstract: Flexible zinc-ion hybrid capacitors (ZIHCs) based on hydrogel electrolytes are an up-and-coming and highly promising candidate for potential large-scale energy storage due to their combined complementary advantages of zinc batteries and capacitors. However, the freezing induces a sharp drop in conductivity and mechanical property with tremendous compromise of the interfacial adhesion, thereby severely impeding the low-temperature application of such flexible ZIHCs. To achieve the flexible ZIHCs with excellent low-temperature adaptability, an antifreezing and self-adhesive polyzwitterionic hydrogel electrolyte (PZHE) is engineered via a self-catalytic nano-reinforced strategy, affording unparalleled conductivity and robust interfacial adhesion, together with superhigh mechanical strength over a broad temperature ranging from 25 to -60 °C. Meanwhile, the water-in-salt-type PZHE filled with ZnCl2 can provide ion migration channels to enhance the reversibility of Zn metal electrodes, thus greatly reducing side reactions and extending the cycling life. With distinctive integrated merits of the water-in-salt type PZHE, the as-built ZIHCs deliver a high-level energy density of 80.5 Wh kg-1, a desired specific capacity of 81.5 mAh g-1, along with a long-duration cycling lifespan (100 000 cycles) with 84.6% capacity retention at -40 °C, even outperforming the state-of-the-art ZIHCs at room temperature. More encouragingly, the extraordinary temperature-adaptability for both electrochemical and mechanical performance under severe mechanical challenges is achieved for the flexible ZIHCs at extremely low temperature. Noticeably, the ZIHC is also capable of operating in an ice-water bath and vacuum. It is believed that this strategy makes contributions to inspire the design and application of high-performance PZHEs in fields of flexible and wearable electronics that can work in extremely cold environments.
81 citations
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22 Nov 2021TL;DR: In this paper, an in-depth comprehensive and systematic summary of low-temperature zinc metal batteries with the main challenges and corresponding optimization strategies are provided, aiming to guide the scientific future development of LTZMBs.
Abstract: The commercial application of aqueous zinc metal batteries in the field of large-scale energy storage is still suffered from their low-temperature operation, in which the electrochemical behaviors of the electrolyte, electrode materials, and their interfaces will deteriorate at low temperatures. Herein, considering the significance of this topic, an in-depth comprehensive and systematic summary of low-temperature zinc metal batteries with the main challenges and corresponding optimization strategies were provided. Furthermore, the promising perspectives have also been proposed, aiming to guide the scientific future development of LTZMBs.
79 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , an in-depth comprehensive and systematic summary of low-temperature zinc metal batteries (LTZMBs) with the main challenges and corresponding optimization strategies was provided. And promising perspectives have also been proposed, aiming to guide the scientific future development of LTZMB.
Abstract: The commercial application of aqueous zinc metal batteries in the field of large-scale energy storage is still suffered from their low-temperature operation, in which the electrochemical behaviors of the electrolyte, electrode materials, and their interfaces will deteriorate at low temperatures. Herein, by considering the significance of this topic, an in-depth comprehensive and systematic summary of low-temperature zinc metal batteries (LTZMBs) with the main challenges and corresponding optimization strategies was provided. Furthermore, the promising perspectives have also been proposed, aiming to guide the scientific future development of LTZMBs.
78 citations
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