Low-Self-Discharge Nanoconfined Hydrogel Electrolyte for Stable High-Energy-Density Aqueous Zinc–Iodine Batteries

Aqueous zinc–iodine batteries (AZIBs) leveraging four-electron I–/I0/I+ redox chemistry show great promise in safe energy storage systems. However, realizing Ah-level AZIBs with industrial-grade parameters (≥10 mg cm–2 mass loading) remains fundamentally challenging. Here, we prepare the hydrogel electrolyte with mesoporous nanoparticles SBA-15 (MNPHE) by a nanoconfined polymerization strategy. The framework confinement effect, anion confinement effect, and free water confinement effect are achieved through Lewis acid–base interactions and hydrogen bond networks. The multiconfinement effects yield simultaneous ultrahigh mechanical strength (501 kPa tensile strength) and a record-high Zn2+ transference number…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 52471229
• CA
  Chinese Academy of Sciences

  Award: XDB0600400
• DO
  Department of Science and Technology of Liaoning Province

  Award: 2024JH1/11700013
• DI
  Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics

  Award: DICP-I202433
• JS
  Jilin Scientific and Technological Development Program

  Award: 20250205055GH