Mechanism and Application of Electrolyte Additives in Regulating Stability of Zinc Anode Interface in Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Zinc has good ductility and high theoretical specific capacity (820 milliampere‐hours per gram or 5854 milliampere‐hours per cubic centimeter), making it an ideal electrode material for green rechargeable batteries. In zinc‐based systems, aqueous zinc metal batteries feature high safety, low material cost, and simple preparation process, and thus have significant application value and development prospects in the field of energy storage. However, aqueous zinc metal batteries are prone to zinc dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reactions and corrosion, etc., which leads to a short cycle life of aqueous zinc metal batteries. By using electrolyte additives, as an innovative strategy in energy storage technology, can effectively regulate the electrochemical behavior at zinc anode interface and extend cycle life. This review briefly introduces the main challenges faced by zinc anodes and their impact on electrochemical performance; based on the types of electrolyte additives and their main regulatory mechanisms, the corresponding design strategies are summarized, and the application and development direction of electrolyte additive strategies for stabilizing zinc anodes are prospected. The summaries and thoughts in this review may inspire any creativity for designing rational electrolyte additives for zinc metal batteries.