Recent Advances in Anode Optimization for Water-Based Zinc-Ion Batteries

Abstract

With the transformation of the global energy structure to a clean and low-carbon direction, efficient and safe energy storage technology has become the focus of research. Water-based zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as ideal candidates for the next generation of large-scale energy storage systems due to their high safety, low cost, environmental friendliness, excellent rate performance, and cycle stability. However, the zinc cathode faces challenges such as branch crystal growth, hydrogenation reaction, and severe Corrosion during battery operation. These problems lead to poor reversibility, shortened cycle life, and low Coulomb efficiency, thereby limiting its application in energy storage and flexible electronics. This paper systematically sorts out the key problems faced by the zinc cathode recently and the corresponding optimization strategies, including the impact of interface engineering, structural design, and electrolyte regulation on the stability of the cathode, and looks forward to the future development trend of water-based zinc-ion batteries to provide guidance and inspiration for its efficient application.