Recent advances in manipulating strategy of aqueous electrolytes for Zn anode stabilization

Aqueous Zn ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered as one of promising candidates for new-generation electrochemical energy storage applications owing to the intrinsic safety, high affordability, and competitive performance. However, the instability of metallic Zn anode in aqueous electrolytes brings serious obstacles in the development of Zn-based energy storage devices, spurring a research surge in Zn anode stabilizing strategies recently. Electrolyte manipulation has attracted much attention as a cost-effective and multifunctional strategy, which could function not only during zinc ion diffusion, de-solvation, but also in Zn metal nucleation. In this review, we firstly introduce the main challenges and related fundamental studies of Zn plating/stripping. Then various aqueous electrolyte engineering strategies are discussed, which includes the optimizing methods, regulation principles as well as corresponding achievements. Finally, general optimizing principles within Zn deposition and future research perspectives are proposed for the further development of advanced rechargeable AZIBs.