Recent Progress on Rechargeable Zn−X (X=S, Se, Te, I2, Br2) Batteries

Recently, aqueous Zn−X (X=S, Se, Te, I₂, Br₂) batteries (ZXBs) have attracted extensive attention in large-scale energy storage techniques due to their ultrahigh theoretical capacity and environmental friendliness. To date, despite tremendous research efforts, achieving high energy density in ZXBs remains challenging and requires a synergy of multiple factors including cathode materials, reaction mechanisms, electrodes and electrolytes. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the various reaction conversion mechanism of zinc-sulfur (Zn−S) batteries, zinc-selenium (Zn−Se) batteries, zinc-tellurium (Zn−Te) batteries, zinc-iodine (Zn−I₂) batteries, and zinc-bromine (Zn−Br₂) batteries, along with recent important progress in the design and electrolyte of advanced cathode (S, Se, Te, I₂, Br₂) materials. Additionally, we investigate the fundamental questions of ZXBs and highlight the correlation between electrolyte design and battery performance. This review will stimulate an in-deep understanding of ZXBs and guide the design of conversion batteries.