A new secondary battery technology: Electrode structure and charge–discharge mechanism of all-solid-state zinc-graphite batteries

Zinc is abundant in the Earth's crust, which contributes to its relatively low price. Magnesium-based silicate, as a solid electrolyte material, is environmentally friendly due to its enhanced thermal stability compared to liquid electrolytes. Introducing a graphite film can reduce both the manufacturing process and the cost of zinc-ion solid-state batteries. This study fabricated an all solid-state zinc-graphite battery using an evaporated zinc-gallium (Zn-Ga) alloy film as the negative electrode, pressed magnesium-based silicate powder as the solid electrolyte, and graphite film as the positive electrode. The experimental results revealed the microstructure characteristics of the positive electrode, electrolyte, and negative electrode materials, while the charging-discharging mechanism and practical performance evaluation confirmed the high-efficiency energy storage capabilities of the all-solid-state zinc-graphite battery.