Project Overview

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising candidates for grid storage, due to their merits such as low cost, high theoretical capacity, and improved safety relative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), brought about by the use of non-flammable aqueous electrolytes. However, challenges such as hydrogen evolution, by-product formation, and dendrite formation hinder the use of ZIBs in actual applications. The electrolyte is an essential component of a ZIB, since it transfers charge carriers between the cathode and anode. To solve the aforementioned challenges, electrolyte engineering is proposed. Various approaches, such as utilizing functional electrolyte additives and exploring zinc stripping and plating behavior, are being explored. The main objective of this project is to enhance the performance of ZIBs through electrolyte engineering.