A review on strategies toward high-mass-loading aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Abstract

High-mass-loading electrodes are indispensable for the practical implementation of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs); however, their performance is often constrained by sluggish ion/electron transport, structural instability, and the incomplete utilization of active materials. This review summarizes recent advances in addressing these challenges through advances in both material innovation and electrode engineering. Cathode developments are discussed, including manganese-based compounds, vanadium-based materials, transition metal dichalcogenides, and other emerging high-capacity systems. Key structural strategies are further highlighted, encompassing the optimization of conductive additives, modifications of binders and current collectors, fabrication of freestanding electrodes, and the employment of three-dimensional (3D) printing to construct precise and scalable architectures. The integration of these approaches enables the development of high-mass-loading AZIBs cathodes with enhanced energy density, rate capability, and cycling durability. This review provides an overview of practical design principles and future directions for advancing high-performance AZIBs.