Highly Reversible Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries via Multifunctional Hydrogen-Bond-Rich Dulcitol at Lower Temperature

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered one of the most promising next-generation energy storage devices due to cost-effectiveness and high safety. However, the uncontrolled dendrite growth and the intolerance against low temperatures hinder the application of AZIBs. Herein, hydrogen-bonding-rich dulcitol (DOL) is introduced into the ZnSO₄, which reshaped the hydrogen-bond network in the electrolyte and optimized the solvation sheath structure, effectively reducing the amount of active water molecules and inhibiting hydrogen evolution and the parasitic reaction at the zinc anode. In addition, higher adsorption energy DOL preferentially adsorbs on the surface of the zinc anode, guiding the uniform deposition of Zn²⁺ and inhibiting the formation of dendrites. DOL also enhances the interaction between free and free water and improves the resistance to freeze of the electrolyte. Consequently, the Zn//Zn symmetric cells assembled with DOL are extremely stable cycled for 2000 h at 2 mA cm⁻². The NH₄V₄O₁₀ (NVO)//Zn full cell showed more excellent specific capacity of 183.07 mAh g⁻¹ after 800 cycles. Even at the low temperature of −10 °C, the cell still maintains 155.95 mAh g⁻¹ capacity after 600 cycles. This work provides a new strategy for the subsequent study of AZIBs with high stability at low temperatures.