Zinc-ion batteries: pioneering the future of sustainable energy storage through advanced materials and mechanisms

The growing global demand for sustainable energy storage has positioned zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), offering inherent advantages in safety, cost, and environmental compatibility. Despite challenges like dendrite formation and cathode dissolution, recent advancements in electrode materials and electrolytes show significant progress. Anode innovations focus on surface modification and structural engineering to mitigate dendrites, while cathode development explores manganese/vanadium oxides, Prussian blue analogs, and emerging materials like Chevrel phases and MXenes. Electrolyte optimization, including aqueous, non-aqueous, and hybrid systems, has improved ion transport and interfacial stability. Mechanistic studies reveal complex redox processes involving cations, anions, and functional groups, guiding material design. ZIBs demonstrate potential for grid storage, flexible electronics, and electric vehicles, though challenges in energy density and cycle life remain. Addressing these through advanced characterization, computational modeling, and scalable fabrication could accelerate ZIB commercialization, establishing them as key players in sustainable energy storage and supporting global decarbonization efforts. Future research should focus on interdisciplinary approaches to overcome existing limitations and unlock their full potential. This review consolidates current knowledge while outlining pathways for ZIB development toward practical implementation.