Long-life aqueous zinc batteries unlocked with dual-salt electrolyte

Australian researchers from the University of Adelaide, led by Professor Zaiping Guo, have developed a novel decoupled dual-salt electrolyte (DDSE) to enhance the performance and longevity of aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs). AZBs are promising as safer, more sustainable alternatives to conventional batteries due to their use of non-flammable, water-based electrolytes and abundant zinc metal anodes. However, their practical application has been hindered by limited cycle life, narrow temperature ranges, and issues like internal corrosion and hydrogen gas release caused by reactions between zinc and the electrolyte. The DDSE employs two zinc salts—zinc perchlorate and zinc sulfate—each performing distinct roles to improve battery function. Zinc perchlorate remains dissolved in the electrolyte to regulate ion movement and enhance freeze resistance, enabling operation from -40°C to +40°C, while zinc sulfate forms a protective layer on the zinc anode to prevent corrosion. This dual mechanism allows the battery to maintain 93% capacity after 900