Scientists have discovered a new way to improve zinc-ion batteries using special organic additives.
These additives, which have high dipole moments, help make the batteries safer, longer-lasting, and more efficient.
The research, led by Professor Zhang Yining from the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, was published in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.
Zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are a promising alternative to traditional batteries, but they face some challenges.
Water in the battery electrolyte can cause unwanted chemical reactions, leading to hydrogen evolution, zinc corrosion, and the growth of harmful zinc dendrites. These problems can reduce battery performance and lifespan.
To address this, researchers introduced an organic additive called triethyl 2-phosphonopropionate (Tp).
This additive interacts with the electrolyte, replacing free water and preventing harmful side reactions. This means the battery can operate more efficiently and last much longer.
Scientists tested different amounts of Tp in the electrolyte to find the best concentration.
They found that Tp strongly binds to zinc surfaces, preventing the formation of harmful dendrites.
The addition of Tp also changed the way hydrogen bonds formed in the electrolyte, helping to stabilize the battery’s operation.
To see how well the Tp additive improved battery performance, researchers compared two zinc-ion batteries.
One used the new Tp electrolyte, while the other used a traditional electrolyte. The battery with Tp retained 92% of its capacity even after 4,000 charging cycles at a high current density. In contrast, the traditional battery lost a significant amount of capacity after only 600 cycles.
To test the practical usefulness of this technology, researchers built a flexible zinc-ion battery with the Tp electrolyte and used it to power an LED light. This experiment showed that the improved electrolyte could be used in real-world applications.
This study highlights the importance of organic additives in battery technology.
By using additives like Tp, scientists can make zinc-ion batteries safer, more durable, and more efficient. This breakthrough could lead to better energy storage solutions for future applications, from portable devices to renewable energy systems.
