Small Additions Make Big Changes: Electrolyte Additives for Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Interfacial kinetic imbalance remains a critical bottleneck in aqueous zinc metal batteries. Specifically, electrolytes and their corresponding interfaces have been engineered to suppress water activity for the inhibited parasitic reactions but often deteriorate charge transfer kinetics. In this Perspective, we point out a limitation of current strategies that focus only on manipulating solvation structures. We discuss interfacial approaches that can compromise the sluggish charge transfer kinetics caused by desolvation, constructing efficient Zn 2+ ions pathways at the local interface. In particular, we address two promising yet underexplored additive‐enabled directions: (i) interfacial ion‐conducting channels; and (ii) SEI layers with superior Zn 2+ ion conductivity. Through a mechanistic dissection of interfacial processes, this Perspective reframes electrolyte design from passive optimization to active compensation, offering a unified framework toward practical aqueous Zn metal batteries.