Advanced Low-Cost, High-Voltage, Long-Life Aqueous Hybrid Sodium/Zinc Batteries Enabled by a Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode and Concentrated Electrolyte

Abstract

Aqueous batteries are promising energy storage systems but are hindered by the limited selection of anodes and narrow electrochemical window to achieve satisfactory cyclability and decent energy density. Here, we design aqueous hybrid Na-Zn batteries by using a carbon-coated Zn (Zn@C) anode, 8 M NaClO₄ + 0.4 M Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂ concentrated electrolyte coupled with NASICON-structured cathodes. The Zn@C anode achieves stable Zn stripping/plating and improved kinetics without Zn dendrite formation due to the porous carbon film facilitating homogeneous current distribution and Zn deposition. Furthermore, the concentrated electrolyte offers a large electrochemical window (∼2.5 V) and permits stable cycling of cathodes. As a result, the hybrid batteries exhibit extraordinary performance including high voltage, high energy density (100-150 Wh kg^-1 for half battery and 71 Wh kg^-1 for full battery), and excellent cycling stability of 1000 cycles.