Eutectic Electrolyte with Unique Solvation Structure for High‐Performance Zinc‐Ion Batteries

作者：Geng Lishan; Meng Jiashen; Wang Xuanpeng; Han Chunhua; Han Kang; Xiao Zhitong; Huang Meng; Xu Peng; Zhang Lei; Zhou Liang; Mai Liqiang

来源：Angewandte Chemie, 2022, 134(31).

DOI：10.1002/ANGE.202206717

• Deep Eutectic Solvents
• Dendrite-Free Zn Anodes
• Eutectic Electrolytes
• Solvation Structure
• Zinc-Ion Batteries

Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIB) present great potential in energy storage due to low cost and high safety. However, the poor stability, dendrite growth, and narrow electrochemical window limit their practical application. Herein, we develop a new eutectic electrolyte consisting of ethylene glycol (EG) and ZnCl2 for dendrite‐free and long‐lifespan ZIBs. The EG molecules participate in the Zn2+ solvation via coordination and hydrogen‐bond interactions. Optimizing the ZnCl2/EG molar ratio (1?:?4) can strengthen intermolecular interactions to form [ZnCl(EG)]+ and [ZnCl(EG)2]+ cations. The dissociation–reduction of these complex cations enables the formation of a Cl‐rich organic–inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase film on a Zn anode, realizing highly reversible Zn plating/stripping with long‐term stability of ≈3200?h. Furthermore, the polyaniline||Zn cell manifests decent cycling performance with ≈78?% capacity retention after 10?000?cycles, and the assembled pouch cell demonstrates high safety and stable capacity. This work opens an avenue for developing eutectic electrolytes for high‐safety and practical ZIBs.(#br)A brand new eutectic electrolyte consisting of ethylene glycol (EG) and ZnCl2 has a unique solvation structure and could enable the formation of a Cl‐rich organic–inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase film on a Zn anode, realizing highly reversible Zn plating/stripping.

• 单位
  材料复合新技术国家重点实验室; 武汉理工大学