Multifunctional Electrolyte toward Long‐Life Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Synchronous Regulation of Solvation, Cathode and Anode Interfaces
Bin Xie, Qiang Hu, Xiangyue Liao, Xiaoqin Zhang, Haoran Lang, Ruyi Zhao, Qiaoji Zheng, Yu Huo, Jingxin Zhao, Dunmin Lin, Xing‐Long Wu
Abstract
Abstract Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are threatened by the cathode dissolution and anode corrosion/dendrites, resulting in poor reversibility. Here, a multifunctional electrolyte is developed to regulate the cathode, anode interface, and solvation by introducing a low‐cost diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DGME). The DGME can modulate the primary solvation sheath (PSS) of the hydrated Zn 2+ and destroy the original hydrogen bond network of water, while the electric double layer (EDL) interface is reconstructed by the adsorption of DGME, which guides the uniform deposition of Zn 2+ on the (002) crystal plane. Simultaneously, the DGME also effectively inhibits the dissolution of VO 2 and enhances the reaction kinetics. As a proof of concept, the Zn//Cu cells deliver 2000 cycles with an ultrahigh coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.6%. Additionally, the multifunctional electrolyte significantly improves the multiple performance of Zn//VO 2 full cells. The low‐cost and multifunctional electrolyte can be readily applied to ZIBs, demonstrating its practical versatility.