Structural and Interfacial Engineering Strategies for Constructing Dendrite-Free Zinc Metal Anodes

Zinc metal batteries have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage devices due to their high capacities, high safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, the implementation of Zn metal anodes (ZMAs) faces significant challenges, including uncontrollable dendrite growth, pronounced corrosion, and notable side reactions. To address these issues, extensive research efforts are underway, focusing on tailored structures, compositions, and interfaces for ZMAs, supported by multi-level engineering approaches. Various efficient solutions have been proposed and verified, including homogenizing the ion flux/electric field, enriching the nucleation site number, reducing nucleation energy barriers, and providing sufficient space for Zn deposition. This Review provides a thorough summary of recent advancements in the innovative design of ZMAs, from the viewpoints of structural and interfacial engineering strategies. Key design concepts and functional mechanisms in resolving the aforementioned issues of ZMAs are highlighted. Furthermore, the remaining issues and challenges are discussed, and future research directions are also identified.