Low-Cost Multi-Function Electrolyte Additive Enabling Highly Stable Interfacial Chemical Environment for Highly Reversible Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries

The practicality of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) for large-scale energy storage is hindered by challenges associated with zinc anodes. In this study, a low-cost and multi-function electrolyte additive, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), is presented to address these issues. CTAB adsorbs onto the zinc anode surface, regulating Zn2+ deposition orientation and inhibiting dendrite formation. It also modifies the solvation structure of Zn2+ to reduce water reactivity and minimize side reactions. Additionally, CTAB optimizes key physicochemical parameters of the electrolyte, enhancing the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface and promoting reversibility in AZIBs. Theoretical simulations combined with operando synchrotron radiation-based in situ Fourier transform infrared spectra and in situ electrochemical impedance spectra further confirm the modified Zn2+ coordination environment and the adsorption effect of CTAB cations at the anode/electrolyte interface. As a result, the assembled Zn-MnO2 battery demonstrates a remarkable specific capacity of 126.56 mAh g-1 at a high current density of 4 A g-1 after 1000 cycles. This work highlights the potential of CTAB as a promising solution for improving the performance and practicality of AZIBs for large-scale energy storage applications. Constructing the electrode-electrolyte interface with a stable chemical environment is one of the key targets for exploiting the high-safety, high-performance, and long-lifespan aqueous zinc ion batteries at a practical level. Herein, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide is reported as a multi-function electrolyte additive to effectively inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction and deterioration of dendrites for ultra-highly reversible zinc plating/stripping.image

Automated summary

In this study, a low-cost and multi-function electrolyte additive, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), is presented to address the challenges associated with zinc anodes in aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) for large-scale energy storage. CTAB adsorbs onto the zinc anode surface, regulating Zn2+ deposition and inhibiting dendrite formation. It also modifies the solvation structure of Zn2+ to reduce water reactivity and optimize key physicochemical parameters of the electrolyte, enhancing the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface and promoting reversibility in AZIBs. The use of CTAB in AZIBs shows promise for improving their performance and practicality in large-scale energy storage applications.