Fundamental understanding of texturing electrodeposition metal zinc anodes for practical aqueous Zn-ion batteries

One of the most promising electrochemical energy storage technologies, aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs), is garnering increasing attention due to their inherent safety, high sustainability, and low cost. However, the challenges posed by dendrite formation and side reactions resulting from uneven deposition of zinc metal anodes significantly impede the reversibility and cycling stability of AZIBs. Given the influence of crystallographic anisotropy on the diversity of deposited metal morphology and crystal orientation, a thorough understanding of the intrinsic texture of zinc is crucial in achieving a dendrite-free zinc anode. This review highlights groundbreaking efforts and significant advancements in promoting the orientational electrodeposition of zinc, encompassing fundamental crystallographic and electrocrystallization theories as well as approaches for achieving textured zinc electrodeposition. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the crystallography, electrochemistry, and induction mechanisms involved in controlling sustainable zinc orientational electrodeposition for AZIBs. Lastly, four critical research aspects are proposed to facilitate the commercialization of reliable AZIBs.