A biocompatible electrolyte enables highly reversible Zn anode for zinc ion battery

Progress towards biocompatible and mechanically flexible power devices for integration with living organisms necessitates aqueous zinc ion batteries using hydrogel biomaterials as electrolytes. However, these batteries often exhibit inferior electrochemical properties. This study introduces a biocompatible hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel electrolyte, demonstrating excellent anti-corrosion for zinc anodes and regulating zinc nucleation/growth. The electrolyte achieves 99.71% Coulombic efficiency, over 5500 hours of long-term stability, and improved cycle life (250 hours at 80% zinc utilization). A Zn//LiMn₂O₄ pouch cell retains 82% capacity after 1000 cycles at 3 C, showcasing potential for biocompatible energy applications.

Guanjie Li, Zihan Zhao, Shilin Zhang, Liang Sun, Mingnan Li, Jodie A. Yuwono, Jianfeng Mao, Junnan Hao, Jitraporn (Pimm) Vongsvivut, Lidan Xing, Chun-Xia Zhao, Zaiping Guo