Anode for Zinc-Based Batteries: Challenges, Strategies, and Prospects

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZBBs) are attracting more and more attention for portable electronic equipment and large-scale energy storage due to their high energy density and low cost. However, further applications of ZBBs still face many challenges, including the issues of side reactions (hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation) and zinc dendrite formation at the anode. Thus, a rational anode design is critical for high-performance ZBBs. In this review, we will first provide a fundamental understanding of the side reaction and dendrite issues at the anode, and then summarize the progress on mitigation strategies to suppress these unwanted electrochemical reactions. Moreover, the relevant mechanisms of various strategies will be illustrated in-depth. Therefore, this perspective will provide a thorough and deep guidance to construct high-performance and dendrite-free ZBBs.