Latest developments in cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted extensive interest as next-generation solution for energy storage, owing to their broad resource availability, affordability, and environmental compatibility. Cathode materials are the essential components determining the electrochemical performance of AZIBs. Focusing on representative cathode materials, this review succinctly summarizes their recent developments, where a central emphasis is placed on elucidating the interplay between structural attributes and electrochemical properties. Key strategies for improving capacity, cycle stability, and rate performance are systematically discussed, including heterostructure design, interlayer structure engineering, and defect engineering. In summary, future strategies are emphasized to boost the development of AZIBs featuring high energy density and long cycling stability, emphasizing the importance of interface optimization, electrolyte-electrode synergism, and advanced characterization techniques.