Electrolyte Additive Strategies for Safe and High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: A Mini-Review

Abstract

With outstanding safety and economic benefits, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) represent a highly promising energy system. As the “blood” of ZIBs, the solid (electrode)/liquid (electrolyte) interface reactions and the transport rate of zinc ions in the electrolyte are crucial fields for long-term ZIBs. However, parasitic reactions and dendrite growth at the electrode/electrolyte interface hinder the practical application of ZIBs. Thus, adjusting the composition of the electrolyte is valuable to reduce active-H₂O molecules in the solvation structure and realize a textured zinc anode. In this mini-review, the electrochemical reaction dilemmas in electrode/electrolyte interfaces and the modification mechanism of additives are first summarized. Furthermore, we compare the charge transfer and storage methods among various electrolyte additives. Notably, the effects of plating/stripping textures ((100), (101) and (002) crystal planes) on the reversibility of zinc metal anodes are highlighted, providing a more intuitive strategy for the epitaxial growth of zinc metal. Finally, the specific applications and perspectives of ZIBs with additives are outlined to guide next-generation efficient energy storage.