In the quest for sustainable energy storage solutions, researchers are turning to aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) as a promising candidate. However, the technology faces significant hurdles, primarily centered around the instability of the zinc anode. A recent review published in the journal *Batteries* and led by Xinzu Yue from Shandong University’s School of Information Science and Engineering, offers a comprehensive look at the latest strategies to overcome these challenges, potentially unlocking the door to commercially viable, high-performance aqueous batteries.
The zinc anode, crucial to AZIBs, is plagued by issues such as dendrite growth, corrosion, and passivation, which severely limit the lifespan and practical application of these batteries. Yue and his team meticulously categorize and analyze the latest innovations aimed at addressing these problems, focusing on three key areas: intrinsic anode engineering, interfacial electrolyte chemistry regulation, and separator-induced transport modulation.
“By understanding the core scientific mechanisms behind these approaches, we can better grasp the structure-property-performance relationships that are vital for designing highly reversible zinc anodes,” Yue explained. This holistic understanding is crucial for advancing the technology and bringing it closer to commercial viability.
The review highlights the importance of intrinsic anode engineering, which involves modifying the anode’s material properties to enhance its stability and reversibility. This can include doping the anode with other elements or creating composite materials that improve performance. Interfacial electrolyte chemistry regulation focuses on optimizing the electrolyte to minimize parasitic reactions and improve the anode’s efficiency. Meanwhile, separator-induced transport modulation involves designing separators that control the movement of ions, preventing dendrite growth and enhancing battery safety.
The research not only synthesizes the current state of the art but also identifies persistent challenges and proposes future research directions. This guidance is invaluable for scientists and engineers working in the field, providing a roadmap for further innovation.
As the world continues to seek sustainable and scalable energy storage solutions, the insights from this review could significantly impact the energy sector. By addressing the fundamental electrochemical instabilities of zinc anodes, researchers are paving the way for the next generation of high-performance, commercially viable aqueous batteries. This could have far-reaching implications for renewable energy integration, electric vehicles, and grid storage, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
The review, titled “Designing Highly Reversible and Stable Zn Anodes for Next-Generation Aqueous Batteries,” was published in the journal *Batteries* and offers a scientific guide for the rational design of zinc anodes, shaping the future of energy storage technology.