From electrolyte to electrode interface: Understanding impacts of electrolyte additives for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) hold tremendous potential as next-generation large-scale energy storage devices, yet they face significant challenges. The reversibility of AZIBs is hindered by the unstable electrode/electrolyte interface caused by dendrite formation and parasitic side reactions. Electrolyte additives present a promising and straightforward approach to enhance the reversibility of AZIBs while maintaining overall energy density. In this short review, we systematically summarize the impacts of electrolyte additives based on the functional mechanisms. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the effects of additives on the bulk electrolyte and the electrode/electrolyte interface, as well as highlight the significance of multifunctional additives for achieving durable anodes and cathodes. To address the current research limitations, we offer perspectives on future research directions, guiding the exploration of novel additives and the realization of high-performance AZIBs.