Amphoteric Cellulose-Based Double-Network Hydrogel Electrolyte Toward Ultra-Stable Zn Anode

Zinc (Zn) metal anode suffers from uncontrollable Zn dendrites and parasitic side reactions at the interface, which restrict the practical application of aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries (ARZBs). Herein, an amphoteric cellulose-based double-network is introduced as hydrogel electrolyte to overcome these obstacles. On one hand, the amphoteric groups build anion/cation transport channels to regulate electro-deposition behavior on Zn (002) crystal plane enabled by homogenizing Zn2+ ions flux. On the other hand, the strong bonding between negatively charged carboxyl groups and Zn2+ ions promote the desolvation process of [Zn(H2O)(6)](2+) to eliminate side reactions. Based on the above two functions, the hydrogel electrolyte enables an ultra-stable cycling with a cumulative capacity of 7 Ah cm(-2) at 20 mA cm(-2)/20 mAh cm(-2) for Zn||Zn cell. This work provides significant concepts for developing hydrogel electrolytes to realize stable anode for high-performance ARZBs.

Automated summary

In this study, a double-network hydrogel electrolyte based on amphoteric cellulose is introduced to solve the issues of Zn dendrites and parasitic side reactions in aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries (ARZBs). The electrolyte regulates the electro-deposition behavior of Zn and eliminates side reactions, enabling stable cycling of the battery.