Recently, the Wenzhou Institute of Zhejiang University published a significant research article titled "The Synergistic Effect Induced by 'Z-bond' Between Cations and Anions Achieving a Highly Reversible Zinc Anode" in ScienceDirect (a Nature subsidiary journal), marking a major breakthrough in the field of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) using BMImFSI ionic liquid additives provided by our company (CHEMFISH).

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021979724029837

Background and Challenges
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as potential alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their practical application is constrained by two critical issues: the growth of zinc dendrites and side reactions caused by water molecules (such as hydrogen evolution and chemical corrosion). Traditional methods for interface modification and electrode structure optimization suffer from complex processes and high costs, making electrolyte optimization a key breakthrough.

Technical Mechanism: Regulation of the Electric Double Layer (EDL) by BMImFSI
The research team utilized BMImFSI ionic liquid additives (CAS: 1235234-58-8) provided by CHEMFISH to regulate the EDL, with the following core mechanisms:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021979724029837

• "Z-bond" Synergistic Adsorption: The BMIm⁺ cation and FSI⁻ anion form a zigzag adsorption configuration ("Z-bond") through strong electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. This configuration preferentially adsorbs onto the zinc anode surface ahead of water molecules, creating a water-lean EDL that suppresses side reactions caused by water decomposition.
• Mineralized SEI Film and Ion Dispersion Layer: FSI⁻ decomposes to form a mineralized solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, which isolates the electrode from water and promotes rapid zinc-ion transport. Meanwhile, BMIm⁺ forms an ion dispersion layer on the SEI film, uniformly distributing zinc-ion deposition and avoiding dendrite formation caused by two-dimensional diffusion.

Experimental Validation and Product Advantages

• The study explicitly states that BMImFSI (99% purity) used in the experiments was a core component for constructing the water-lean EDL and stable SEI film. By adding different volumes of BMImFSI (30–180 μL) to a 2 M ZnSO₄ electrolyte, a series of electrolytes with concentration gradients (1.3–7.8 mM) were prepared to investigate the additive's effects on the zinc anode performance.
• BMImFSI's low viscosity and low water solubility allow it to be directly added to aqueous electrolytes without auxiliary solvents, avoiding performance interference from complex processes. The strong coupling between its cations and anions via "Z-bond" is crucial for achieving uniform zinc-ion deposition and suppressing dendrites.

Significance and Prospects
This research successfully addresses the challenges of zinc dendrites and side reactions through the "Z-bond" synergistic effect of BMImFSI ionic liquid additives. CHEMFISH's BMImFSI product, with its high purity and low viscosity, provided critical material support for the experiments. Its unique physicochemical properties (such as low water solubility and strong cation-anion coupling) directly facilitated the construction of the water-lean EDL and stable SEI film. This strategy offers a simple and efficient new pathway for electrolyte optimization in aqueous batteries, validating CHEMFISH's technological value in the new energy materials field and paving the way for the practical application of high-safety, long-life zinc-based batteries.