Ionic Gel Electrolytes for Electrochromic Devices.

Ionic gels are emerging as a promising solution for improving the functionality of electrochromic devices. They are increasingly drawing attention in the fields of electrochemistry and functional materials due to their potential to address issues associated with traditional liquid electrolytes, such as volatility, toxicity, and leakage. In extreme scenarios and/or the design of flexible devices, ionic gel electrolytes offer unique and invaluable advantages. This perspective delves into the application of ionic gels in electrochromic devices, exploring various methods to enhance their performance. After briefly introducing developments in ionic gels for electrochromic devices, the trends and key points of future development are discussed in detail.

Entropy-Driven 60 mol% Li Electrolyte for Li Metal-Free Batteries.

Highly Li-concentrated electrolytes are acknowledged for their compatibility with Li metal negative electrodes and high voltage positive electrodes to achieve high-energy Li metal batteries, showcasing stable and facile interfaces for Li deposition/dissolution and high anodic stability. This study aims to explore a highly concentrated electrolyte by adopting entropy-driven chemistry for Li metal-free (so-called anode-free) batteries. The combination of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (LiFSA) and lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiOTf) salts in a pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquid is found to significantly modify the coordination structure, resulting in an unprecedented 60 mol% Li concentration and a low solvent-to-salt ratio of 0.67:1 in the electrolyte system. This novel 60 mol% Li electrolyte demonstrates unique coordination stricture, featuring a high ratio of monodentate-anion structures and aggregates, which facilitates an enhanced Li+ transference number and improved anodic stability. Moreover, the developed electrolyte provides a facile de-coordination process and leads to the formation of an anion-based solid electrolyte interface, which enables stable Li deposition/dissolution properties and demonstrates excellent cycling stability in the Li metal-free full cell with a Li[Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1]O2 (NCM811) positive electrode.

Microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of nanostructured Ga-Doped Li7La3Zr2O12 solid electrolyte with enhanced densification and Li-ion conductivity.

Garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) Li-ion solid electrolytes are promising candidates for safe, next-generation solid-state batteries. In this study, we synthesize Ga-doped LLZO (Ga-LLZO) electrolytes using a microwave-assisted solvothermal method followed by low-temperature heat treatment. The nanostructured precursor (<50 nm) produced by the microwave-assisted solvothermal process has a high surface energy, facilitating the reaction for preparing garnet-type Ga-LLZO powders (<800 nm) within a short time (<5 h) at a low calcination temperature (<700 °C). Additionally, the calcined nanostructured Ga-LLZO powder can be sintered to produce a high-density pellet with minimized grain boundaries under moderate sintering conditions (temperature: 1150 °C, duration: 10 h). The optimal doping concentration was determined to be 0.4 mol% Ga, which resulted significantly increased the ionic conductivity (1.04 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 25 °C) and stabilized the cycling performance over 1700 h at 0.4 mA cm-2. This approach demonstrates the potential to synthesize oxide-type solid electrolyte materials with improved properties for solid-state batteries.

A theoretical perspective on solid-state ionic interfaces.

Solid-state ionic conductors find application across various domains in materials science, particularly showcasing their significance in energy storage and conversion technologies. To effectively utilize these materials in high-performance electrochemical devices, a comprehensive understanding and precise control of charge carriers' distribution and ionic mobility at interfaces are paramount. A major challenge lies in unravelling the atomic-level processes governing ion dynamics within intricate solid and interfacial structures, such as grain boundaries and heterophases. From a theoretical viewpoint, in this Perspective article, my focus is to offer an overview of the current comprehension of key aspects related to solid-state ionic interfaces, with a particular emphasis on solid electrolytes for batteries, while providing a personal critical assessment of recent research advancements. I begin by introducing fundamental concepts for understanding solid-state conductors, such as the classical diffusion model and chemical potential. Subsequently, I delve into the modelling of space-charge regions, which are pivotal for understanding the physicochemical origins of charge redistribution at electrified interfaces. Finally, I discuss modern computational methods, such as density functional theory and machine-learned potentials, which offer invaluable tools for gaining insights into the atomic-scale behaviour of solid-state ionic interfaces, including both ionic mobility and interfacial reactivity aspects. This article is part of the theme issue 'Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship'.

Prevalence of Hyperkalemia and Familial Hyperkalemic Hypertension in 5100 Patients Referred to a Tertiary Hypertension Unit.

BACKGROUND: Hyperkalemia is a frequent electrolyte alteration whose prevalence varies widely, depending on the adopted cutoff, the setting (inpatients versus outpatients), and the characteristics of the study population. Familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHH) is a rare cause of hypertension, hyperkalemia, and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we investigated the prevalence of hyperkalemia (serum K+ >5.2 mmol/L on 2 repeated measurements) in 5100 referred patients affected by arterial hypertension, the potential causes, and the associated cardiovascular risk profile. RESULTS: Overall, 374 (7.3%) patients had hyperkalemia. This was associated with drugs known to increase K+ levels (74.6%), chronic kidney disease (33.7%), or both (24.3%). Among the 60 patients with unexplained hyperkalemia, 3 displayed a clinical and biochemical phenotype suggestive of FHH that was genetically confirmed in 2 of them (0.04% in the entire cohort). FHH prevalence rose to 3.3% in patients with unexplained hyperkalemia and up to 29% (2/7) if they had serum K+>5.8 mmol/L. The genetic cause of FHH was a missense variant affecting the acidic motif of WNK1 in 1 family and a rare CUL3 splicing variant, whose functional significance was confirmed by a minigene assay in another. Finally, we observed a significant association between hyperkalemia and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, metabolic syndrome, and organ damage, independent of potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of hyperkalemia in patients with hypertensive has prognostic implications. A timely diagnosis of FHH is important for effective management of hypertension, electrolyte imbalance correction with tailored treatment, and genetic counseling.

Tuning the Properties of Halide Nanocomposite Solid Electrolytes with Diverse Oxides for All-Solid-State Batteries.

Herein, we report halide nanocomposite solid electrolytes (HNSEs) that integrate diverse oxides with alterations that allow tuning of their ionic conductivity, (electro)chemical stability, and specific density. A two-step mechanochemical process enabled the synthesis of multimetal (or nonmetal) HNSEs, MO2-2Li2ZrCl6, as verified by pair distribution function and X-ray diffraction analyses. The multimetal (or nonmetal) HNSE strategy increases the ionic conductivity of Li2ZrCl6 from 0.40 to 0.82 mS cm-1. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry test findings corroborated the enhanced passivating properties of the HNSEs. Notably, incorporating SiO2 into HNSEs leads to a substantial reduction in the specific density of HNSEs, demonstrating their strong potential for achieving a high energy density and lowering costs. Fluorinated SiO2-2Li2ZrCl5F HNSEs exhibited enhanced interfacial compatibility with Li6PS5Cl and LiCoO2 electrodes. Cells employing SiO2-2Li2ZrCl5F with LiCoO2 exhibit superior electrochemical performance delivering the initial discharge capacity of 162 mA h g-1 with 93.7% capacity retention at the 100th cycle at 60 °C.

Integrating Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Ensemble Learning as Minimally Invasive Optical Screening for Diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic disease necessitating timely identification for effective management. This paper introduces a reliable, straightforward, and efficient method for the minimally invasive identification of diabetes mellitus through nanosecond pulsed laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) by integrating a state-of-the-art machine learning approach. LIBS spectra were collected from urine samples of diabetic and healthy individuals. Principal component analysis and an ensemble learning classification model were used to identify significant changes in LIBS peak intensity between the diseased and normal urine samples. The model, integrating six distinct classifiers and cross-validation techniques, exhibited high accuracy (96.5%) in predicting diabetes mellitus. Our findings emphasize the potential of LIBS for diabetes mellitus identification in urine samples. This technique may hold potential for future applications in diagnosing other health conditions.

Dislocation Effect Boosting the Electrochemical Properties of Prussian Blue Analogues for 2.6 V High-Voltage Aqueous Zinc-Based Batteries.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have attracted increasing attention in aqueous zinc-based batteries (AZBs) with the advantages of an open framework, adjustable redox potential, and easy synthesis. However, they exhibited a low specific capacity and a poor cycle performance. In this work, crystalline potassium iron hexacyanoferrate (FeHCF) with dislocation was designed and prepared by a poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) additive. The metastable state provided by PVP would cause an electrostatic interaction between cyanogen and water molecules. The reduced force increases the steric resistance of the water molecules entering the crystal. The low content of crystal water in FeHCF is associated with the formation of dislocation. The dislocation effect effectively improves the electrochemical reactivity and reaction kinetics of FeHCF. Thus, it presents a high reversible capacity of 131 mAh g-1 with a superior capacity retention of 85% after 550 cycles at 0.5 A g-1. When used as a cathode, the AZBs display a high voltage of 2.6 V, a fast charging capability (<5 min), and a satisfactory cycle stability with a capacity retention of 82% after 400 cycles at 0.2 A g-1 in decoupling electrolytes. This work provides an effective strategy for the design of high-performance PBA-based cathodes for 2.6 V AZBs.

A Polarizable Forcefields for Glyoxal Acetals as Electrolyte Components for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

In this work we have derived the parameters of an AMOEBA-like polarizable forcefield for electrolytes based on tetramethoxy and tetraethoxy-glyoxal acetals, and propylene carbonate. The resulting forcefield has been validated using both ab-initio data and the experimental properties of the fluids. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the structural features and the solvation properties of both the neat liquids and of the corresponding 1 M LiTFSI electrolytes at the molecular level. We present a detailed analysis of the Li ion solvation shells, of their structure and highlight the different behavior of the solvents in terms of their molecular structure and coordinating features.

Anion-Dominated Solvation in Low-Concentration Electrolytes Promotes Inorganic-Rich Interphase Formation in Lithium Metal Batteries.

While the formation of an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a crucial role, the persistent challenge lies in the formation of an organic-rich SEI due to the high solvent ratio in low-concentration electrolytes (LCEs), which hinders the achievement of high-performance lithium metal batteries. Herein, by incorporating di-fluoroethylene carbonate (DFEC) as a non-solvating cosolvent, a solvation structure dominated by anions is introduced in the innovative LCE, leading to the creation of a durable and stable inorganic-rich SEI. Leveraging this electrolyte design, the Li||NCM83 cell demonstrates exceptional cycling stability, maintaining 82.85% of its capacity over 500 cycles at 1 C. Additionally, Li||NCM83 cell with a low N/P ratio (≈2.57) and reduced electrolyte volume (30 µL) retain 87.58% of its capacity after 150 cycles at 0.5 C. Direct molecular information is utilized to reveal a strong correlation between solvation structures and reduction sequences, proving the anion-dominate solvation structure can impedes the preferential reduction of solvents and constructs an inorganic-rich SEI. These findings shed light on the pivotal role of solvation structures in dictating SEI composition and battery performance, offering valuable insights for the design of advanced electrolytes for next-generation lithium metal batteries.

Cyclic Ether-Based Electrolyte with a Weak Solvation Structure for Advanced Potassium Metal Batteries.

Potassium metal batteries (PMBs) are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage. Conventional carbonate electrolytes exhibit unsatisfactory thermodynamic stability against potassium (K) metal anode. Linear ether is widely adopted because of its compatibility with K metal, but the poor oxidation stability restricts the application with high-voltage cathodes. Herein, a weakly solvating cyclic ether is proposed as a solvent to stabilize the K-electrolyte interface and build a robust solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). This weakly solvating electrolyte (WSE) possesses an anion-dominated solvation structure, which facilitates the anion decomposition for constructing an inorganic-rich SEI. The superior mechanical properties of the SEI, as examined by atomic force microscopy, prevent the SEI from fracture. Consequently, this WSE achieves highly reversible plating/stripping behavior of K metal for 1300 h with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.20%. Stable full cells are also demonstrated with a high-voltage cathode at harsh conditions. This work complements the design of WSEs for advanced PMBs by cyclic ether solvents.

The Impact of Prescription Time Limits on Phosphate Administration in the Intensive Care Unit: A Before-After Quality Improvement Study.

(1) Background: We aim to examine and improve phosphate prescribing as part of a quality assurance program by examining the change in the proportion of patients receiving phosphate with normal or high preceding serum phosphate concentrations before and after the introduction of the 24 h time limit to default phosphate prescription. (2) Methods: This was a quality assurance study conducted across three Australian adult intensive care units (ICUs). All adult patients with ICU lengths of stay greater than or equal to 48 h who had their serum phosphate concentrations measured were included. A 24 h time limit was introduced to the protocolised prescription in the electronic clinical information system for enteral and intravenous phosphate at participating ICUs. Patient characteristics, phosphate administration, and outcomes were compared before and after this time limit was introduced. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients to whom phosphate was prescribed after measurement of a normal or high serum phosphate level. Secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay, mortality, and discharge destination. (3) Results: A total of 1192 patients were included from three ICUs over the two periods. The proportion of patients with a normal or high measured phosphate level who then received phosphate supplementation was significantly lower in the second study period (30.3% vs. 9.9%; p < 0.001). This difference persisted when adjusted for potential confounders in a mixed-effects logistic regression model (an adjusted odds ratio for receiving phosphate with normal or high serum concentration 0.214, 95% confidence interval of 0.132-0.347; p < 0.001). No significant difference was seen in the typical ICU length of stay, in-hospital case-fatality rate, and hospital discharge destination between these groups. (4) Conclusions: This multicentre before-after study has demonstrated that the introduction of a 24 h limit on electronic phosphate prescriptions resulted in significantly fewer patients receiving phosphate when their serum phosphate concentration was normal or high, without any adverse impact on patient outcomes.

Building microcracked structure fibrous cathode coated by Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) for ultra-stable fiber-shaped aqueous zinc ions batteries.

Attributing to the advantages of intrinsic safety, high energy density, and good omnidirectional flexibility, fiber-shaped aqueous zinc ions batteries (FAZIBs), serving as energy supply devices, have multitude applications in flexible and wearable electronic devices. However, the detachment of active materials caused by bending stress generated during flexing process limits their practical application severely. To address the above issue, an effective integrated strategy employing microcracked activated cobalt hydroxide [A-Co(OH)2] cathode with protective coating of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was proposed in this work to enhance the cyclic and bending performances of FAZIBs. The microcracked A-Co(OH)2 cathode relieves stress concentration under bending conditions, while the PEDOT:PSS coating is responsible to maintain the structural integrity and prevents the detachment of A-Co(OH)2. The FAZIBs based on a gel electrolyte achieved a high energy density (173.5 Wh·kg-1) at a power density 90 W·kg-1 and a bending durability (94.4 % capacity retention after 500 cycles) as a consequence of the synergistic effect of microcracked A-Co(OH)2 cathode and the PEDOT:PSS coating. This work will offer a new approach for devising high-performance FAZIBs and promote the development of highly flexible and stable fiber-shaped batteries.

Ionic Covalent Organic Framework Solid-State Electrolytes.

Rechargeable secondary batteries, widely used in modern technology, are essential for mobile and consumer electronic devices and energy storage applications. Lithium (Li)-ion batteries are currently the most popular choice due to their decent energy density. However, the increasing demand for higher energy density has led to the development of Li metal batteries (LMBs). Despite their potential, the commonly used liquid electrolyte-based LMBs present serious safety concerns, such as dendrite growth and the risk of fire and explosion. To address these issues, using solid-state electrolytes in batteries has emerged as a promising solution. In this Perspective, recent advancements are discussed in ionic covalent organic framework (ICOFs)-based solid-state electrolytes, identify current challenges in the field, and propose future research directions. Highly crystalline ion conductors with polymeric versatility show promise as the next-generation solid-state electrolytes. Specifically, the use of anionic or cationic COFs is examined for Li-based batteries, highlight the high interfacial resistance caused by the intrinsic brittleness of crystalline ICOFs as the main limitation, and presents innovative ideas for developing all- and quasi-solid-state batteries using ICOF-based solid-state electrolytes. With these considerations and further developments, the potential for ICOFs is optimistic about enabling the realization of high-energy-density all-solid-state LMBs.

Block Copoly (Ester-Carbonate) Electrolytes for LiFePO4|Li Batteries with Stable Cycling Performance.

To address the challenges posed by the narrow oxidation decomposition potential window and the characteristic of low ionic conductivity at room temperature of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), carbon dioxide (CO2), epichlorohydrin (PO), caprolactone (CL), and phthalic anhydride (PA) were employed in synthesizing di-block copolymer PCL-b-PPC and PCL-b-PPCP. The carbonate and ester bonds in PPC and PCL provide high electrochemical stability, while the polyether segments in PPC contribute to the high ion conductivity. To further improve the ion conductivity, we added succinonitrile as a plasticizer to the copolymer and used the copolymer to assemble lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with LiFePO4 as the cathode. The LiFePO4/SPE/Li battery assembled with PCL-b-PPC electrolyte exhibited an initial discharge-specific capacity of 155.5 mAh·g-1 at 0.5 C and 60 °C. After 270 cycles, the discharge-specific capacity was 140.8 mAh·g-1, with a capacity retention of 90.5% and an average coulombic efficiency of 99%, exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance. The study establishes the design strategies of di-block polymer electrolytes and provides a new strategy for the application of LMBs.

High-Strength MOF-Based Polymer Electrolytes with Uniform Ionic Flow for Lithium Dendrite Suppression.

The uneven formation of lithium dendrites during electroplating/stripping leads to a decrease in the utilization of active lithium, resulting in poor cycling stability and posing safety hazards to the battery. Herein, introducing a 3D continuously interconnected zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF808) network into a polyethylene oxide polymer matrix establishes a synergistic mechanism for lithium dendrite inhibition. The 3D MOF808 network maintains its large pore structure, facilitating increased lithium salt accommodation, and expands anion adsorption at unsaturated metal sites through its diverse large-space cage structure, thereby promoting the flow of Li+. Infrared-Raman and synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering results demonstrate that the transport behavior of lithium salt ion clusters at the MOF/polymer interface verifies the increased local Li+ flux concentration, thereby raising the mobility number of Li+ to 0.42 and ensuring uniform Li+ flux distribution, leading to dendrite-free and homogeneous Li+ deposition. Furthermore, nanoindentation tests reveal that the high modulus and elastic recovery of MOF-based polymer electrolytes contribute to forming a robust, dendrite-resistant interface. Consequently, in symmetric battery systems, the system exhibits minimal overpotential, merely 35 mV, while maintaining stable cycling for over 1800 h, achieving low-overpotential lithium deposition. Moreover, it retains redox stability under high voltages up to 5.3 V.

Influence of Lithium Triflate Salt Concentration on Structural, Thermal, Electrochemical, and Ionic Conductivity Properties of Cassava Starch Solid Biopolymer Electrolytes.

Cassava starch solid biopolymer electrolyte (SBPE) films were prepared by a thermochemical method with different concentrations of lithium triflate (LiTFT) as a dopant salt. The process began with dispersing cassava starch in water, followed by heating to facilitate gelatinization; subsequently, plasticizers and LiTFT were added at differing concentrations. The infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR-ATR) showed variations in the wavenumber of some characteristic bands of starch, thus evidencing the interaction between the LiTFT salt and biopolymeric matrix. The short-range crystallinity index, determined by the ratio of COH to COC bands, exhibited the highest crystallinity in the salt-free SBPEs and the lowest in the SBPEs with a concentration ratio (Xm) of 0.17. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the salt addition increased the dehydration process temperature by 5 °C. Additionally, the thermal decomposition processes were shown at lower temperatures after the addition of the LiTFT salt into the SBPEs. The differential scanning calorimetry showed that the addition of the salt affected the endothermic process related to the degradation of the packing of the starch molecules, which occurred at 70 °C in the salt-free SBPEs and at lower temperatures (2 or 3 °C less) in the films that contained the LiTFT salt at different concentrations. The cyclic voltammetry analysis of the SBPE films identified the redox processes of the glucose units in all the samples, with observed differences in peak potentials (Ep) and peak currents (Ip) across various salt concentrations. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to establish the equivalent circuit model Rf-(Cdl/(Rct-(CPE/Rre))) and determine the electrochemical parameters, revealing a higher conduction value of 2.72 × 10-3 S cm-1 for the SBPEs with Xm = 17 and a lower conduction of 5.80 × 10-4 S cm-1 in the salt-free SBPEs. It was concluded that the concentration of LiTFT salt in the cassava starch SBPE films influences their morphology and slightly reduces their thermal stability. Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior is affected in terms of variations in the redox potentials of the glucose units of the biopolymer and in their ionic conductivity.

A Porous Li-Al Alloy Anode toward High-Performance Sulfide-Based All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries.

Compared to lithium (Li) anode, the alloy/Li-alloy anodes show more compatible with sulfide solid electrolytes (SSEs), and are promising candidates for practical SSE-based all-solid-state Li batteries (ASSLBs). In this work, a porous Li-Al alloy (LiAl-p) anode is crafted using a straightforward mechanical pressing method. Various characterizations confirm the porous nature of such anode, as well as rich oxygen species on its surface. To the best knowledge, such LiAl-p anode demonstrates the best room temperature cell performance in comparison with reported Li and alloy/Li-alloy anodes in SSE-based ASSLBs. For example, the LiAl-p symmetric cells deliver a record critical current density of 6.0 mA cm-2 and an ultralong cycling of 5000 h; the LiAl-p|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cells achieve a high areal capacity of 11.9 mAh cm-2 and excellent durability of 1800 cycles. Further in situ and ex situ experiments reveal that the porous structure can accommodate volume changes of LiAl-p and ensure its integrity during cycling; and moreover, a robust Li inorganics-rich solid electrolyte interphase can be formed originated from the reaction between SSE and surface oxygen species of LiAl-p. This study offers inspiration for designing high-performance alloy anodes by focusing on designing special architecture to alleviate volume change and constructing stable interphase.

Enzymic Activity, Metabolites, and Hematological Responses in High-Risk Newly Received Calves for "Clinical Health" Reference Intervals.

Enzymic activity, metabolites, and hematological responses for reference intervals (RIs) establish ranges of physiological normality, which are useful for diagnosing diseases and physiological alterations. Within the same species, RIs vary according to age, gender, productive and physiological states, and environmental factors including health management and nutrition. RIs have been extensively studied in dairy calves during a critical stage of life (from birth up to first 90 days of age). A critical stage for feedlot calves is their arrival at the feedlot, but no reports determine RIs for different enzymic activity, metabolites, and hematological responses during their initial period at the feedlot. Consequently, a total of 461 high-risk crossbreed beef calves, received on three different dates, were examined upon arrival at the feedlot. Of these, 320 calves (148.3 ± 1.3 kg body weight) whose "clinical health" was evaluated were included in the study. Blood samples were taken upon arrival and on days 14, 28, 42, and 56 to determine the following parameters: enzymic activity, metabolites, electrolytes, white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. Enzymic activity, metabolites, and complete blood count were determined by automated analyzers. The freeware Reference Value Advisor Software was used to calculate the non-parametric values of RIs. This study is the first to establish RIs for different enzymic activity, metabolites, and hematological responses in high-risk newly received calves during their initial period at the feedlot. This information will be useful for veterinary clinical practice and research related to the health and welfare of high-risk newly received calves during their initial period at the feedlot.

Changes in the Aggregation Behaviour of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Influenced by Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Salts, and Humic Acid in Simulated Waters.

The increasing utilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in many consumer products is of concern due to their eventual release into the natural environment and induction of potentially adverse impacts. The behaviour and environmental impacts of ZnO-NPs could be altered through their interactions with environmentally coexisting substances. This study investigated the changes in the behaviour of ZnO-NPs in the presence of coexisting organic pollutants (such as perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA]), natural organic substances (i.e., humic acid [HA]), and electrolytes (i.e., NaCl and CaCl2) in simulated waters. The size, shape, purity, crystallinity, and surface charge of the ZnO-NPs in simulated water after different interaction intervals (such as 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks) at a controlled pH of 7 were examined using various characterization techniques. The results indicated alterations in the size (such as 162.4 nm, 1 day interaction to >10 µm, 3 weeks interaction) and zeta potential (such as -47.2 mV, 1 day interaction to -0.2 mV, 3 weeks interaction) of the ZnO-NPs alone and when PFOA, electrolytes, and HA were present in the suspension. Different influences on the size and surface charge of the nanoparticles were observed for fixed concentrations (5 mM) of the different electrolytes. The presence of HA-dispersed ZnO-NPs affected the zeta potential. Such dispersal effects were also observed in the presence of both PFOA and salts due to their large aliphatic carbon content and complex structure. Cation bridging effects, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and van der Waals forces could be potential interaction forces responsible for the adsorption of PFOA. The presence of organic pollutants (PFOA) and natural organic substances (HA) can transform the surface characteristics and fate of ZnO-NPs in natural and sea waters.