Electrostatic Potential‐Dominated Weak Solvation Chemistry for Synergistic Optimization of V <sub>2</sub> O <sub>5</sub> Cathode and Zn Anode
Jingzhu Chen, Fan Bu, Qinghe Cao, Wenbo Zhao, Yong Gao, Jipeng Chen, Haifei Zhu, Cao Guan
Abstract
Abstract Practical aqueous zinc‐ion batteries face severe challenges from cathodic dissolution and anodic dendrite growth. Herein, we report a novel electrostatic potential‐dominated weakly solvated electrolyte that correlates molecular charge anisotropy with both solvation thermodynamics and interfacial passivation kinetics. By regulating the electrostatic force among Zn 2+ , H 2 O, and weak solvent, the attack ability of free water on vanadium oxide is efficiently reduced, and the vanadium dissolution is effectively prohibited. Simultaneously, the modified solvating structure induces a dense and inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interface, promoting uniform zinc deposition and suppressing side reactions. Benefiting from such synergistic optimization, the developed zinc‐ion battery achieves a high capacity of 410 mAh g −1 and maintains 80% of the capacity after 650 cycles at 0.5 A g −1 . Stable Ah‐level pouch cell with high energy density (138 Wh kg −1 , based on electrode mass; 36.3 Wh kg −1 , based on full cell) is also achieved, paving a promising way for practical applications.