Dendrite‐Free Engineering toward Efficient Zinc Storage: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives

Zinc-based energy storage has lately gained popularity due to natural abundance, operational safety, high energy density. Unfortunately, dendrite growth is a common and intractable issue faced in existing zinc-ion batteries to shorten cycle lifespan/stability. This review summarizes recent progress in assembly component (e. g., anode, electrolyte, separator) engineering for dendrite-free zinc-ion batteries. First, diversiform strategies of Zn surface modification and Zn host design are presented to shield the fundamental adverse effect aroused by uneven zinc deposition on the anode. Then, subtle deployments of electrolyte constituents are illustrated to optimize the Zn²⁺ solvation structure for ultimate dendrite control and Coulombic efficiency elevation in aqueous systems and beyond (e. g., eutectic electrolytes). Furthermore, rational manipulation of advanced separators and the upgrade of zinc metal-free Zn²⁺ -storage devices are briefly discussed to explore the dendrite-free and high-level Zn²⁺ -storage. Finally, challenges and perspectives are proposed to offer research inspirations toward safe, high-efficiency and long-lifespan zinc storage.