Realizing high-voltage aqueous zinc-ion batteries with expanded electrolyte electrochemical stability window

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have aroused significant research interest around the world in the past decade. The use of low-cost aqueous electrolytes and a metallic Zn anode with a suitable redox potential and high energy density make AZIBs a potential alternative to commercial Li-ion batteries in the de-velopment of next-generation batteries. However, owing to the narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) of aqueous electrolytes, the choice of cathode materials is limited, because of which AZIBs exhibit a relatively low operating voltage and energy density. Hence, expanding the ESW of aqueous electrolytes is important for the development of practical AZIBs. This paper systematically reviews the electrolyte en-gineering strategies being explored to broaden the ESW of AZIBs. An in-depth analysis of high-voltage AZIBs is also presented. We suggest that the realization of high-voltage AZIBs depends on the synergistic development of suitable electrolytes and cathode materials. In addition, the cost associated with their fabrication as well as the use of standardized electrochemical tests should be considered during the de-sign of high-voltage AZIBs.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the electrolyte engineering strategies to broaden the electrochemical stability window of AZIBs and analyzes high-voltage AZIBs. The study suggests that the synergistic development of suitable electrolytes and cathode materials is crucial for achieving high-voltage AZIBs.