2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

(455a) Air Stable Electrolytes for Zinc-Air Batteries

Authors

Shuya Wei, University of New Mexico
Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage due to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density, surpassing that of conventional lithium-ion systems. The performance and rechargeability of ZABs are critically dependent on electrolyte design, which governs ionic conductivity, interfacial stability, and suppression of parasitic reactions. Here, we present a eutectic electrolyte based on an aliphatic amide and Zn(BF4)2.xH2O, exhibiting high oxygen solubility, competitive ionic conductivity, and enhanced stability under both controlled and ambient conditions. The highly structured ionic environment modifies the Zn²⁺ solvation shell and governs the interactions with O₂ and its reduction intermediates (such as O₂⁻, HO₂⁻, and O₂²⁻), thereby stabilizing these species, and facilitating the oxygen reduction reaction. The electrolyte mitigates carbonate formation and Zn passivation, enabling a stable discharge capacity of 1000 mAh/g at 100 mAh/g for over 650 hours. Furthermore, the system sustains an open circuit potential of 1.2 V and achieves a full discharge capacity of 15500 mAh/g, offering a promising route toward the rational development of high-performance electrolytes for advanced ZABs.