Solvation regulation and interfacial adsorption by ethanolamine-based eutectic electrolytes toward byproduct-free zinc anodes

Abstract

This study designs ethanolamine-based hydrated eutectic electrolytes to stabilize Zn anodes by coregulating the solvation structure and interfacial adsorption. EA interacts with Zn²⁺ to suppress H₂O and anion (OTf⁻) coordination, and it preferentially anchors on the Zn anode. Therefore, a superior lifespan of Zn||Zn cells of over 1800 h at 2 mA cm⁻²/2 mAh cm⁻² and enhanced stability of an active carbon cathode are obtained.