Interfacial regulation for zinc metal anode of aqueous zinc-ion battery

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted significant attention due to their high energy density, low cost, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, the development of AZIBs has been significantly hindered by the unavoidable issues with zinc dendrites and the side reactions of the anode. The strategies for stable and controllable interfacial regulation have recently made rapid progress, due to their dual function of improving zinc ion transport dynamics and preventing direct contact of zinc with electrolytes. Therefore, it’s imperative to conduct a comprehensive summary of the interfacial regulation of zinc anodes and to engage in in-depth research into the underlying mechanisms. Subsequently, the interfacial regulation was classified based on battery structure, including anode coating strategy, electrolyte engineering, and separator optimization. Eventually, the current limitations of interfacial regulation and a deep outlook on AZIBs interface engineering are summarized. Interfacial regulation serves not solely to prevent the zinc anode from attacking with the electrolyte, but also to enhance the transport kinetics of zinc ion. The mechanism and superiority of the application for the interfacial regulation are comprehensively summarized. The interface regulation was classified according to the battery structure, including anode coating strategy, electrolyte engineering, and separator optimization. • Assess interfacial regulation materials to optimize complex regulation mechanisms. • Anode coating and electrolyte additives and separator are summarized. • The advantages of interfacial layers formed of different materials are evaluated. • The interfacial protection of zinc anode is prospected from six aspects.