Unlocking the secrets of water-ion interactions and energy storage mechanisms in quasi-solid-state aqueous electrolytes

准固体电解质为安全、快速、高效的储能提供了前所未有的机遇。然而，对于这些存在于液-固界面上的电解质中的离子传输、溶剂化结构和电化学储存机理，人们知之甚少。本项目旨在探索一条基于水/盐/聚合物混合物的准固态电解液设计的新途径，该混合物含有高浓度的锌和氯离子。这种方法将使我们能够研究电解液的基本物理化学性质，以及水-离子和水-聚合物之间的相互作用作为浓度和温度的函数。此外，我们将使用先进的分析和电化学方法研究锌金属和层状材料电极上的离子传输行为、插入/嵌入和离子特定电极之间的相互作用。通过这样做，我们将为下一代可充电锌离子电池设计新的安全、灵活、高导电性和高压准固态电解液。

Quasi-solid aqueous electrolytes offer unprecedented opportunities for safe, fast and efficient energy storage. Yet, little is known about the ion transport, solvation structure and electrochemical storage mechanism in these electrolytes, which exist at the boundary of liquids and solids. This project aims to explore a new avenue in the design of quasi-solid-state electrolytes based on water/salt/polymer mixtures containing high concentrations of zinc and chlorine-based ions. This approach will enable us to investigate the fundamental physicochemical properties of the electrolytes and the interplay between water-ion and water-polymer interactions as a function of concentration and temperature. Moreover, we will examine ion transport behavior, insertion/intercalation and ion-specific-electrode interactions at Zn metal and layered material electrodes using advanced analytical and electrochemical methods. By doing so, we will design new safe, flexible, highly conductive, and high-voltage quasi-solid electrolytes for the future generation of rechargeable Zn-ion batteries.