Rational Electrode–Electrolyte Design for Long-Life Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Wen Liu, Peng Guo, Tianyu Zhang, Xiawei Ying, Fengling Zhou, Xinyi Zhang
Abstract
Due to its high theoretical energy density, good safety, and availability, as well as low cost, the rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion battery is considered one of the most promising systems for the next generation of energy storage devices. However, due to the strong electrostatic interaction between Zn2+ and host and the proton/Zn2+ cointercalation in aqueous media, the development of a zinc-ion battery with high capacity and a long lifetime remains an uphill task. In this work, a novel electrode–electrolyte design is employed by using a ZIF/Zn heterostructure as a microporous host matrix and an organic zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate as the constituent of the electrolyte. A zinc-ion battery based on the ZIF/Zn heterostructure anode delivers a specific capacity of 149 mAh g–1 and maintains a retention as high as 80% after 330 cycles at 1 A g–1. The synergistic effect of microstructural ZIF and hydrophobic trifluoromethanesulfonate anions creates a unique electrode–electrolyte interface, which suppresses the formation of dendrites and self-discharge of the Zn anode, resulting in the long cycling stability of the aqueous zinc-ion batteries.