Research progress on modified Zn substrates in stabilizing zinc anodes

Abstract

The future demand for large-scale electrochemical energy storage devices has spawned various types of batteries, among which aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained much attention due to their safety, affordability, and excellent electrochemical performance. However, some challenges must be urgently addressed before the extensive application of aqueous ZIBs can be realized. Especially, the implementation of zinc anodes faces numerous difficulties, such as the formation of zinc dendrites, passivation of corrosion, and the occurrence of the hydrogen evolution reaction, all of which impede the successful implementation of excellent performance aqueous ZIBs. This paper presents a systematic review of modified Zn substrates in stabilizing zinc anodes. First, the working mechanism of anodes and the challenges of stabilized zinc anodes are briefly summarized. Subsequently, the design principles and recent progress of modified Zn substrates in stabilizing zinc anodes are reviewed. Ultimately, the major prospects and challenges of the future development of modified Zn substrates in stabilizing zinc anodes are proposed.