Enhanced reversibility and electrochemical window of Zn-ion batteries with an acetonitrile/water-in-salt electrolyte

Abstract

An acetonitrile/water-in-salt (AWIS) hybrid electrolyte was developed for Zn-ion batteries. Compared to conventional aqueous electrolytes, the AWIS hybrid electrolyte prolonged the lifespan of Zn|Zn cells from 150 to 2500 h and increased the upper cut-off voltage from 1.8 to 2.2 V for Zn–MnO₂ batteries. This new AWIS hybrid electrolyte is expected to enhance the energy and power density of Zn-based batteries for large-scale grid storage.