Advances in application of sustainable lignocellulosic materials for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

As the rapid increasing demand for electrical energy in the world, the research on electrical energy storage becomes urgent and crucial, especially for these ones with the features of cost-effectiveness, high safety and outstanding performance. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as environmentally friendly, safe, reliable, and promising devices for electrochemical energy storage systems. However, a variety of challenges such as zinc dendrite formation, corrosion and hydrogen evolution must be addressed for the practical, widespread application of AZIBs. Recently, there has been notable interest in utilizing renewable, biodegradable, and cost-effective lignocellulosic materials to address these challenges, as they have the potential to significantly improve the electrochemical performance of AZIBs. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic summary, as well as a gap in theoretical analysis, on the role of lignocellulosic materials in improving AZIBs performance. The present review covers the development, concept, advantages, and challenges of AZIBs. The most recent advancements and progress on the lignocellulosic materials (including cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses) as electrodes, electrolytes and separators for AZIBs applications are summarized. A perspective on existing challenges, potential solutions, and promising prospects of lignocellulosic materials is outlined, aiming to provide the research community with essential technical insights that could drive the commercialization of green and sustainable lignocellulosic materials in high-performance AZIBs.