Research Progress on the Antifreeze Performance of Water-based Zinc-ion Batteries Using Polyacrylamide as the Gel Electrolyte Base

Compared with lithium batteries, zinc batteries employing quasi-solid-state electrolytes demonstrate superior safety profiles, positioning them as pivotal components for flexible electronics development. Nevertheless, sub-zero temperature-induced electrolyte freezing remains a critical barrier to commercialization. Building upon conventional hydrogel matrices, this study systematically investigates polyacrylamide (PAM)-based gel electrolytes, critically evaluates existing strategies for low-temperature performance enhancement, and establishes standardized assessment protocols for zinc-ion battery performance. The perspective concludes with an outlook on hydrogel electrolyte innovations for next-generation aqueous zinc-ion batteries.