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Dual-structure-breaking electrolyte enables practical cadmium-metal battery

Author

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  • Yang-Feng Cui

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Hao-Bin Song

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Jing-Jing Yao

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Qi Hao

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Xue-Liang Li

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Yi-Fan Li

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Bin-Bin Guo

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Yun-Hai Zhu

    (Wuhan Textile University)

  • Hui Ying Yang

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

Abstract

High-energy aqueous metal batteries are promising candidates for the next-generation energy storage systems but face critical challenges of dendrite and corrosion in metal negative electrodes. To address these issues, we report an aqueous cadmium-metal battery employing a fast-kinetics structure-breaking electrolyte composed of CdCl2 and NH4Cl. The addition of NH4Cl induces the formation of dual structure breakers, NH4+ and tetrachlorocomplex ([CdCl4]2–), which facilitate fast charge transfer kinetics in aqueous cadmium-metal batteries and endow dendrite-free/corrosion-resistant capabilities to Cd negative electrodes. This tailored electrolyte realizes a convincing Coulombic efficiency (99.93%) for Cd plating/stripping behavior at a high Cd utilization of 55%, making it suitable for practical applications. Moreover, the fast-kinetics aqueous cadmium-metal batteries exhibit remarkable compatibility with diverse types of positive electrodes, including conversion-, coordination-, intercalation- and capacitance-type, offering enhanced rate performance and durable rechargeable stability. These results establish a robust and scalable aqueous battery design for sustainable energy storage systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang-Feng Cui & Hao-Bin Song & Jing-Jing Yao & Qi Hao & Xue-Liang Li & Yi-Fan Li & Bin-Bin Guo & Yun-Hai Zhu & Hui Ying Yang, 2025. "Dual-structure-breaking electrolyte enables practical cadmium-metal battery," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60740-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60740-2
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