Tailoring hydrogel electrolytes to enhance cathode performance in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

doi:10.1016/j.metadv.2026.05.003

Abstract

Abstract:

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted considerable attention due to their intrinsic safety, high theoretical energy density, and low cost. However, the commonly used liquid electrolytes are frequently associated with cathode material dissolution, phase transition and structural collapse, which seriously hinder their practical application. The adoption of hydrogels as electrolytes can effectively isolate active materials from direct contact with free water, thereby suppressing cathode dissolution and byproduct generation. Meanwhile, the good mechanical stability of hydrogels helps alleviate volume changes in the cathode caused by Zn²⁺ insertion/extraction. Despite notable progress in this field, there remains a lack of systematic guidelines for hydrogel electrolytes (HEs) tailored to enhance cathode performance. Based on the intrinsic properties of hydrogels, this review proposes design principles for cathode-oriented HEs and systematically summarizes corresponding preparation strategies. Finally, this review outlines future prospects for HEs tailored to enhance cathode performance, seeking to provide a theoretical foundation for high-performance AZIBs and spur further in-depth research in this field.

Key words: Aqueous zinc-ion batteries, Hydrogel electrolyte, Cathode, Design principles, Preparation strategies

Daijie Zhang, Hamdy Khamees Thabet, Mohamed M. El-Toony, Zeinhom M. El-Bahy, Hongwei Fu, Jiang Zhou. Tailoring hydrogel electrolytes to enhance cathode performance in aqueous zinc-ion batteries[J]. Metals Advances, 2026, 45: 17-24.

Figures/Tables 4

Fig. 1. Schematic diagrams of (a) cathode materials instability, (b) byproduct generation, (c) poor interface compatibility, and (d) narrow ESW.

Fig. 2. Schematic diagrams of (a) optimizing ion transport kinetics, (b) regulating water molecule activity, (c) constructing physical barriers, (d) dynamically buffering the interface pH, (e) broadening the ESW, and (f) promoting reversible phase transitions.

Fig. 3. Schematic diagrams of (a) polymer selection, (b) construction of porous network structure, (c) construction of gradient structure, (d) composite reinforcement, and (e) construction of interphase layer.

Fig. 4. The outlooks of the HE in AZIBs.

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