Achieving both high reversible and stable Zn anode by a practical glucose electrolyte additive toward high‐performance Zn‐ion batteries

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) featuring safety, affordability and high energy density may provide a promising solution to the demand for better energy storage devices. ZIBs with high electrochemical performances rely on a stable and reversible Zn metal negative electrode. The side reactions such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the anode‐electrolyte interface are responsible for the low reversibility, and uneven Zn deposition/dissolution gives rise to the instability of Zn anode. Here, a facile and scalable method of regulating electrolytes has been proposed by Chao and his co‐works through adding a low‐cost, safe and environmentally‐friendly electrolyte additive: glucose. Theoretical calculations and experimental studies reveal that the glucose not only suppresses side reactions by modulating the solvated shell of Zn 2+ but also homogenizes Zn deposition/dissolution through forming a special local absorption interface. This bi‐functional electrolyte additive endows the Zn anode with both high reversibility and stability, which efficiently improves the performances of ZIBs. This work explores a promising electrolyte strategy for realizing the large‐scale application of ZIBs.