Mini review: advanced anodes for flexible Zn ion batteries

Abstract Flexible electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance and reliable mechanical stability are the key to flexible Zn-ion batteries (FZIBs), and hold great significance for the development and practical application of flexible electronic devices. However, traditional pristine zinc (Zn) anodes are plagued by insufficient mechanical strength and toughness, as well as the severe problems of Zn dendrite formation and undesirable side reactions. Aiming at the critical challenges and bottlenecks encountered in the practical application of flexible anodes for FZIBs, this paper first summarizes the critical factors that limit the electrochemical performance of flexible Zn anodes, and then introduces various construction strategies for flexible anodes from the perspectives of in situ growth approaches and self-assembly technologies. Thereafter, the optimization strategies, modification mechanisms and performance enhancement effects for flexible anodes are further analyzed. Finally, the prospects and challenges of future research in the development of flexible anodes are discussed, which can provide new insights into the rational design of advanced flexible anodes for high-performance FZIBs.