From photo-assisted to photo-rechargeable: Advancing Zn-Ion batteries with light-driven energy storage

Solar energy represents a transformative, inexhaustible, and eco-friendly solution for sustainable power generation. However, its intermittent nature requires efficient energy storage technologies to maximize utilization. A promising approach involves integrating photoactive materials into the cathodes of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), enabling direct solar energy capture and storage while improving electrochemical performance. This review systematically explores the emerging field of light-driven ZIBs (LDZIBs), focusing on two main operational modes: photo-assisted ZIBs (PAZIBs), where light enhances battery performance, and photo-rechargeable ZIBs (PRZIBs), which can be directly charged by light without external power sources. We comprehensively examine the classification, working mechanisms, and material integration strategies for these systems. Key advances in electrode design, innovative materials, and potential application scenarios for both PAZIBs and PRZIBs are highlighted. Finally, we discuss the major challenges and future research directions aimed at improving the efficiency, stability, and scalability of LDZIBs to facilitate their commercialization as a cornerstone technology for future solar energy storage. This review explores light-driven zinc-ion batteries (LDZIBs), encompassing photo-assisted (PAZIBs) and photo-rechargeable (PRZIBs) types. We examine their mechanisms, materials, and integration strategies for direct solar energy conversion and storage, highlighting challenges and future directions. • Light-driven zinc-ion batteries integrate solar energy harvesting and electrochemical storage within a single device. • Photo-assisted zinc-ion batteries utilize light to enhance electrochemical processes. • Autonomous photo-rechargeable zinc-ion batteries enable direct solar charging without an external power source. • Advances in photoelectrodes and device designs enabling efficient light capture, charge separation and storage are highlighted. • Light-driven zinc-ion batteries are a pivotal technology in wearable electronics, off-grid systems, and solar microgrids.