Regulating the interfacial stability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries via the introduction of organic functional molecules

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems owing to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the practical deployment of AZIBs remains hindered by several critical issues associated with zinc anodes, such as uncontrolled dendrite formation, sustained parasitic reactions, and sluggish reaction kinetics. These challenges critically undermine the reversible capacity and cycling stability of AZIBs, representing substantial barriers to their large-scale commercial application. This review first provides a systematic elucidation of the electrochemical mechanisms governing zinc anodes in AZIBs, followed by an in-depth analysis of the fundamental origins of parasitic reactions. Subsequently, recent progress in developing organic functional molecules is comprehensively summarized, with a focus on their role in stabilizing the zinc anode–electrolyte interface and enhancing electrode performance. These insights provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the rational design of robust zinc-based electrodes. Finally, we propose efficient strategic pathways to guide the engineering transformation of high-performance AZIBs.