Interface strategies for long-term stability of manganese-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have emerged as promising energy storage technology owing to their high safety, cost-effectiveness, and competitive energy density. Among them, manganese-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries stand out for their high theoretical capacity, diverse crystal structures, and multiple oxidation states. However, their practical applications are severely hindered by interface instability problems, most notably manganese dissolution at the cathode-electrolyte interface and zinc dendrite growth at the anode-electrolyte interface. Addressing these challenges requires a deep understanding of electrode-electrolyte interactions and effective interface engineering strategies. Herein, this review systematically analyzes the interfacial degradation mechanisms that govern the electrochemical performance of manganese-based systems. By comprehensively summarizing the dual-interface optimization strategies for both cathodes and anodes, it reveals how the stability and electrochemical performance are enhanced synergistically. Particular emphasis is placed on the coordination and stabilization of the two electrode interfaces to overcome the challenge of long-term cycle stability, thereby offering a new perspective beyond previous studies that focus on single interface. Furthermore, representative cases are discussed to demonstrate how advanced characterization technologies are employed to elucidate interface engineering mechanisms. A fundamental understanding of these interface phenomena not only guides the rational design of high-performance zinc-ion batteries, but also provides transferable insights for addressing interfacial challenges in other energy storage technologies.