The host-guest effect of D-xylose constructs the weak-synergistic sheath structure of Zn2+ to achieve high performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries at the low temperature

[Display omitted] •The weak-synergistic solvated sheath structure of Zn2+ constructed by the host–guest effect can inhibit side reactions caused by active H2O, achieve smooth desolvation of Zn2+, and uniformly deposit Zn2+ on the zinc anode.•Edible D-xylose as the host can destroy the tetrahedral hydrogen bond network structure of the guest H2O-H2O and lower the freezing point of the electrolyte.•The electrolyte with a weak-synergistic structure realizes the zinc anode ultra-long cycle life, making the Zn||PANI battery display promising capacity and sustained stability over 1000 cycles at −10 °C with an average CE of up to 100 %. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have been widely concerned because of their low cost and high safety. However, zinc anodes are affected by active H2O, which promotes side reactions, and performs poorly at low temperatures. Herein, a weak-synergistic solvated sheath structure of Zn2+ is implemented by constructing a host–guest solvation modulation effect with the addition of D-xylose. As the host, D-xylose can replace the guest H2O in the solvated shell of Zn2+, weaken the interaction of Zn2+ with the guest H2O and SO42−, and destroy the original hydrogen bond network of the guest H2O-H2O. This electrolyte can greatly reduce side reactions induced by reactive H2O and lower the freezing point. Consequently, the electrolyte containing D-xylose has a high ionic conductivity of 21.2 mS cm−1 at −10 °C. The Zn||Zn battery can run stably for more than 2000 h at 25 °C (1 mA cm−2) and −10 °C (0.5 mA cm−2). Furthermore, the Zn||PANI battery displays promising capacity and sustained stability over 1000 cycles at −10 °C with an average CE of up to 100 %. This study highlights a new electrochemical perspective to achieve a weak-synergistic structure around Zn2+, providing new insights into the application of AZIBs at low temperatures.