The critical effect of water content in the electrolyte on the reversible electrochemical performance of Zn–VPO4F cells

Abstract

The electrochemistry of the Zn–VPO₄F system has been studied for the first time in both wet non-aqueous and aqueous zinc-ion electrolytes. It is shown that H⁺ ions present in the electrolyte insert into the cathode host in preference to sluggish Zn²⁺ ion insertion. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that while H₂O as a source of H⁺ is essential for proper cell operation, an aqueous electrolyte is detrimental to cathode stability due to extensive dissolution.