Failure Mechanism, Electrolyte Design, and Electrolyte/Electrode Interface Regulation for Low-Temperature Zinc-Based Batteries

Abstract

With more renewable energy developed to satisfy the human need in the energy crisis, electricity storage is critical in power utilization and storage. Due to its high safety, high nature reserve, and high energy density, the zinc-based battery is drawing increasing attention. Together with the expansion of human activities, the low-temperature battery is developed to satisfy the power demand in extreme environments, and as a critical component, electrolytes shall have a low freezing point and satisfying electrochemical properties in cold conditions. In this review, the development of low-temperature electrolytes for zinc-based batteries will be comprehensively introduced. First, the failure mechanism of zinc-based battery at low temperature will be illustrated. Second, five main types of low-temperature electrolytes will be introduced in detail. Finally, the regulation of electrolyte/electrode surface at low temperature will be discussed. This review aims to provide a guideline for low-temperature electrolyte design from the perspective of molecular behavior regulation.

Keywords: electrolyte/electrode interface regulation; failure mechanisms; low-temperature electrolytes; zinc-based batteries.