Toward Long-Life Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries by Constructing Stable Zinc Anodes

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) with high safety and low cost are considered to be one of the alternatives to Li-ion batteries. In recent years, AZIBs have become a research hotspot, mainly focusing on the research of cathode, anode and electrolyte. Although many efforts have been made in cathode materials, their low specific capacity and poor cycle life remain unsolved. In fact, side reactions of zinc metal anodes, such as dendrite growth, zinc corrosion, and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), are also the main factors restricting the electrochemical performance of AZIBs. In this review, we first discuss the fundamental of these adverse reactions. Then, the various solution strategies are summarized based on advanced materials and structural design. It includes surface modification and the internal structure optimization of Zn electrodes, the regulation of electrolytes and separators. Finally, we propose the future challenges and development prospects of zinc anode.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the research progress of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), which are considered as a low-cost and safe alternative to Li-ion batteries. The challenges and solutions regarding the cathode, anode, and electrolyte are discussed, with emphasis on the adverse reactions of the zinc metal anode. Surface modification, internal structure optimization, and electrolyte regulation are identified as potential strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of AZIBs.