Electrolyte engineering for future aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) have garnered significant attention as a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage, owing to their inherent safety, low cost, and environmental sustainability. However, their practical application is hindered by critical challenges, including Zn dendrite formation, parasitic hydrogen evolution reactions, and electrolyte instability. To address these issues, innovative strategies such as ultra-low-/low-concentration additive engineering, electrolyte decoupling design, and AI-driven high-throughput additive screening have emerged as effective pathways for electrolyte system optimization. This perspective systematically examines the key challenges, mechanistic insights, and recent advancements in AZIB electrolytes, with a focus on material innovation, structural design, and methodological breakthroughs. By integrating materials, structural, and computational perspectives, this work aims to provide a foundational framework for the rational design of next-generation AZIB electrolytes, guiding future research toward high-performance, durable Zn-based energy storage systems.