Exploiting High-Voltage Stability of Dual-Ion Aqueous Electrolyte Reinforced by Incorporation of Fiberglass into Zwitterionic Hydrogel Electrolyte

Rechargeable zinc aqueous batteries are key alternatives for replacing toxic, flammable, and expensive lithium-ion batteries in grid energy storage systems. However, these systems possess critical weaknesses, including the short electrochemical stability window of water and intrinsic fast zinc dendrite growth. Hydrogel electrolytes provide a possible solution, especially cross-linked zwitterionic polymers that possess strong water retention ability and high ionic conductivity. Herein, an in situ prepared fiberglass-incorporated dual-ion zwitterionic hydrogel electrolyte with an ionic conductivity of 24.32 mS cm⁻¹, electrochemical stability window up to 2.56 V, and high thermal stability is presented. By incorporating this hydrogel electrolyte of zinc and lithium triflate salts, a zinc//LiMn_0.6Fe_0.4PO₄ pouch cell delivers a reversible capacity of 130 mAh g⁻¹ in the range of 1.0–2.2 V at 0.1C, and the test at 2C provides an initial capacity of 82.4 mAh g⁻¹ with 71.8% capacity retention after 1000 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 97%. Additionally, the pouch cell is fire resistant and remains safe after cutting and piercing.