High-performance rechargeable zinc-based dual-ion batteries

Abstract

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage applications due to the large abundance, low toxicity, and low cost of zinc. In this work, we configured a zinc-based nonaqueous dual-ion battery (ZDIB) for the first time by using an expanded graphite cathode, a zinc foil anode, and an ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte. The adoption of the IL suppressed the dendritic growth of zinc and avoided hydrogen evolution, resulting in satisfactory safety of the battery. Notably, the prepared ZDIB delivered a reversible discharge capacity of 57 mA h g⁻¹ and a capacity retention of ∼86% after 500 cycles. In addition, we developed a nonaqueous battery with a dual-carbon configuration (ZDCB), exhibiting a reversible discharge capacity of 58 mA h g⁻¹ and a capacity retention of ∼88% after 500 cycles. These two kinds of nonaqueous zinc-based battery systems show potential applications for large-scale energy storage with good safety and environmental friendliness.