Dendrite formation mechanisms and suppression strategies of zinc-based flow batteries

Zinc-based flow batteries (ZFBs) are considered a promising energy storage technology because of their high safety, low cost, and high energy density. However, during charging, zinc metal tends to deposit unevenly on the negative electrode, leading to the formation of undesirable dendrites. The growth of these dendrites may pierce the separator, causing internal short circuits or, ultimately, resulting in battery failure. This review explains the mechanisms of zinc dendrite formation and summarizes their adverse effects on battery performance and stability. It then reviews the main strategies currently being explored to suppress dendrite growth, including electrolyte optimization and modifications to electrodes and separators. Finally, the review provides an outlook on the future of dendrite suppression strategies for ZFBs.