Challenges and Strategies for Zinc Metal Anode

Abstract The primary aim of this concept is to point the overlooked critical issues, and summary the crucial roles of regulating the electric double layer (EDL), zinc ion transfer number and electrolyte design, thereby enhancing the stability of zinc metal anodes and expediting the commercialization of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are received intensive attention for their inherent safety, economic feasibility, competitive electrochemical performance, and environmental friendliness. However, the rampant side reactions such as dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation of zinc metal anode seriously hinder the stability of AZIBs. This concept is aimed to enhancing the practical viability of AZIBs, with a particular focus on the stability of zinc metal anodes. Here, we summarized the strategies for achieving high reversibility zinc metal anode, and points out the shortcomings that still exist in current research. Then the crucial role of regulation electric double layer (EDL), zinc ion transfer number and electrolyte design is summarized in detail. Finally, we consider that the design of zinc anode should focus more on practicality and commercialization, and provide a perspective for the future development direction of zinc anode. We hope to provide an inspiration for the design of stable zinc metal anodes in AZIBs from this concept.