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.