Strong Ion-Dipole Interactions for Stable Zinc-Ion Batteries with Wide Temperature Range

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are widely recognized as promising alternatives to lithium batteries due to their excellent safety, environmental compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Nonetheless, the formation of dendrites, corrosion, and undesirable side reactions on the zinc surface pose significant challenges to the cycling stability of zinc-ion batteries. In this study, polar propylene carbonate (PC) is paired with tetrafluoroborate anions to establish a strong ion-dipole interaction. Strong ion-dipole interaction can not only alter the solvation structure of zinc ions but also facilitate the formation of a dynamic double electric layer on the surface of the zinc electrode, suppressing the formation of ZnF2 interface and carbonate, thereby facilitating uniform zinc ion deposition, and consequently improving battery cycling stability over a broad temperature range. Concretely, the formulated electrolyte enhances the cycling stability of the battery over a wide temperature range of -30 to 40 degrees C, accompanied by a capacity retention of approximate to 100% even after 10 000 cycles at -30 degrees C. The symmetrical battery utilizing this electrolyte exhibits stable cycling performance for over 1200 h at 25 degrees C and 1900 h at -30 degrees C, respectively. The findings provide a promising direction for the development of long-cycle batteries capable of operating over a wide temperature range.