A four-electron Zn-I2 aqueous battery enabled by reversible I−/I2/I+ conversion

Yiping Zou, Tingting Liu, Qijun Du, Yingying Li, Haibo Yi, Xing Zhou, Zhuxin Li, Lujie Gao, Lan Zhang and Xiao Liang ()
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Yiping Zou: Hunan University
Tingting Liu: Hunan University
Qijun Du: Hunan University
Yingying Li: Hunan University
Haibo Yi: Hunan University
Xing Zhou: Hunan University
Zhuxin Li: Hunan University
Lujie Gao: Hunan University
Lan Zhang: Hunan University
Xiao Liang: Hunan University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Electrochemically reversible redox couples that embrace more electron transfer at a higher potential are the eternal target for energy storage batteries. Here, we report a four-electron aqueous zinc-iodine battery by activating the highly reversible I2/I+ couple (1.83 V vs. Zn/Zn2+) in addition to the typical I−/I2 couple (1.29 V). This is achieved by intensive solvation of the aqueous electrolyte to yield ICl inter-halogens and to suspend its hydrolysis. Experimental characterization and modelling reveal that limited water activity and sufficient free chloride ions in the electrolyte are crucial for the four-electron process. The merits of the electrolyte also afford to stabilize Zn anode, leading to a reliable Zn-I2 aqueous battery of 6000 cycles. Owing to high operational voltage and capacity, energy density up to 750 Wh kg−1 based on iodine mass was achieved (15–20 wt% iodine in electrode). It pushes the Zn-I2 battery to a superior level among these available aqueous batteries.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20331-9

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