Electrostatic Potential‐Dominated Weak Solvation Chemistry for Synergistic Optimization of V ₂ O ₅ Cathode and Zn Anode

Abstract

Abstract Practical aqueous zinc‐ion batteries face severe challenges from cathodic dissolution and anodic dendrite growth. Herein, we report a novel electrostatic potential‐dominated weakly solvated electrolyte that correlates molecular charge anisotropy with both solvation thermodynamics and interfacial passivation kinetics. By regulating the electrostatic force among Zn 2+ , H 2 O, and weak solvent, the attack ability of free water on vanadium oxide is efficiently reduced, and the vanadium dissolution is effectively prohibited. Simultaneously, the modified solvating structure induces a dense and inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interface, promoting uniform zinc deposition and suppressing side reactions. Benefiting from such synergistic optimization, the developed zinc‐ion battery achieves a high capacity of 410 mAh g −1 and maintains 80% of the capacity after 650 cycles at 0.5 A g −1 . Stable Ah‐level pouch cell with high energy density (138 Wh kg −1 , based on electrode mass; 36.3 Wh kg −1 , based on full cell) is also achieved, paving a promising way for practical applications.