The present disclosure relates to aqueous batteries in which a mediator-ion solid state electrolyte provides ion channels through which an alkali metal ion passes during operation of the batteries, but which blocks passage of the catholyte or anolyte.

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a first gelated ionic liquid film in contact with a first electrically conductive surface, wherein the first gelated ionic liquid film comprises a first ionic liquid encapsulated within a gel matrix; and a second gelated ionic liquid film in contact with a second electrically conductive surface, wherein the second gelated ionic liquid film comprises a second ionic liquid encapsulated within a gel matrix; wherein the first and second gelated ionic liquid films are in contact with each other. There is also described an electrochemical cell comprising an assembly according to the invention, and methods for producing same.

A stabilized electrolyte for a metal-halogen flow battery and flow battery system including the same. The electrolyte includes an aqueous metal halide, an anionic wetting agent, a bromine complexing agent, and bromine.

Disclosed are cathodes having electron-conductive high-surface-area materials, aqueous non-halide-containing electrolytes, secondary zinc-iodine energy storage devices using the same, and methods for assembling the same. The disclosed high-surface-area materials and the aqueous non-halide-containing electrolyte solutions can contribute together to the confinement of the active iodine species in the cathode and to the minimization of shuttle effects and self-discharging. The non-halide-containing electrolyte salts can facilitate preferential adsorption of the iodine species to the cathode material rather than dissolution in the aqueous electrolyte solution, thereby contributing to the confinement of the active iodine species.

The invention relates to an electrolyte solution suitable for use in a zinc-bromine battery, comprising zinc bromide and a mixture of at least two complexing agents selected from the group consisting of 1-R.sup.2-2-methyl pyridinium bromide and 1-R.sup.3-3-methyl pyridinium bromide salts, wherein each of R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is independently an alkyl group having not less than five carbon atoms.

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a first gelated ionic liquid film in contact with a first electrically conductive surface, wherein the first gelated ionic liquid film comprises a first ionic liquid encapsulated within a gel matrix; and a second gelated ionic liquid film in contact with a second electrically conductive surface, wherein the second gelated ionic liquid film comprises a second ionic liquid encapsulated within a gel matrix; wherein the first and second gelated ionic liquid films are in contact with each other. There is also described an electrochemical cell comprising an assembly according to the invention, and methods for producing same.

Water-in-salt electrolytes for zinc metal batteries are disclosed. The electrolyte includes a zinc halide. The electrolyte may be a hybrid water-in-salt electrolyte further including an additional metal halide or nonmetal halide. Batteries including the electrolytes are disclosed, as well as devices including the batteries and methods of making the batteries.

An aqueous electrolyte for a metal-halogen flow battery includes an electrolyte that includes zinc bromide, a chelating agent, and a metal plating enhancer. The metal plating enhancer may include Bi, Pb, Te, Se, and/or Tl, salts thereof, or any combination thereof.

The invention relates to a method of operating a zinc-bromine battery, especially at a high temperature, comprising adding 1-n-butyl-2-methyl-pyridinium bromide to the electrolyte of said battery, and charging or discharging said cell. Also provided is the use of 1-n-butyl-2-methyl-pyridinium bromide as an additive in a zinc-bromine battery operating at a temperature above 30 C., and an aqueous concentrate with high content of 1-n-butyl-2-methyl-pyridinium bromide.

To improve the performance of certain multivalent metal electrodes, the electrodes can be treated prior to use in an electrochemical cell by applying a solution comprising an acid to a surface of a multivalent metal electrode, then removing excess solution comprising the acid and drying the surface of the multivalent metal electrode. The resulting electrode has an outer interphase layer comprised of a hydrated hydroxychloride comprising the multivalent metal, where the interphase layer has a thickness of less than 5 ?m.