Advancements in the Exploration of Gel Electrolytes for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are seen as a superior substitute for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their excellent safety, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, problems such as zinc dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction and electrode corrosion hinder the commercialization of batteries. Electrolyte as a link to other parts of the battery, has been widely concerned. Hydrogel is a kind of cross-linked product filled with water, which has the advantages of high theoretical capacity, good flexibility, good water retention and good mechanical properties, and becomes a potential candidate for ZIBs. By summarizing the development of hydrogel electrolytes, the cross linking types of gel electrolytes and their applications in ZIBs were reviewed in this paper. Finally, the application of gel electrolyte in ZIBs is summarized and prospected, which brings a meaningful reference for the development of ZIBs.

Automated summary

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are considered as a superior alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their excellent safety, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, challenges such as zinc dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, and electrode corrosion hinder the commercialization of ZIBs. This paper reviews the development and types of hydrogel electrolytes and their applications in ZIBs, providing meaningful insights for the future development of ZIBs.