A high-voltage and stable zinc-air battery enabled by dual-hydrophobic-induced proton shuttle shielding

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) stand out among next-generation battery technologies due to their high energy density and high safety but suffer from electrochemical irreversibility. Herein, we report a hybrid ZAB with a long lifespan and high working voltage; it uses a neutral anolyte, an acidic catholyte, and a proton-shuttle-shielding dual-hydrophobic membrane to isolate the two electrolytes. The hybrid ZAB operates through the stable electrochemical plating and stripping of zinc (Zn) in a neutral anolyte and a high-voltage O-2 redox reaction in acidic catholyte. The designed proton-shuttle-shielding dual-hydrophobic membrane selectively transports hydrophobic bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide anions (TFSI ) and effectively avoids the crossover of protons. As a result, the hybrid ZAB exhibits a high working voltage (1.50 V) and stable operation (up to 2,000.0 h) in ambient air. This strategy not only overcomes the severe irreversibility of conventional ZABs but also promotes development of electrolyte-decoupled systems.

Automated summary

In this study, a hybrid rechargeable zinc-air battery with a long lifespan and high working voltage is reported. It utilizes a neutral anolyte, an acidic catholyte, and a proton-shuttle-shielding dual-hydrophobic membrane to isolate the two electrolytes. The hybrid battery exhibits a high working voltage and stable operation, overcoming the limitations of conventional zinc-air batteries and promoting the development of electrolyte-decoupled systems.