Functional Oriented Design of Composite Artificial Interface Layers Towards Stable Zinc Anodes In Aqueous Zinc‐ion Batteries

Abstract Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) with metallic Zn anodes have been regarded as attractive candidates for large‐scale energy storage systems due to their affordability, safety, and high energy density. However, the practical implementation of rechargeable AZIBs is still hampered severely by the poor electrochemical stability and reversibility of Zn anodes, stemming from uncontrolled dendrite growth and rampant side reactions. Due to the versatility of different components in the composite artificial interface layer (AIL), great efforts on multifunctional AILs have recently been devoted to Zn anode protection for designing durable and stable AZIBs. This review first presents a comprehensive and timely summarization on the origin and mechanism of dendrite growth and side reactions, followed by the systematic summarization of five protection mechanisms/functions of the AILs. Next, recent advances are discussed in the manner of a correlation between the combined materials/structures in composite AILs and their synergetic functionality, highlighting the critical role of functional orientation design of the composite AILs towards stable Zn anodes. Finally, perspectives and suggestions are provided for designing highly effective multifunctional composite AILs towards Zn anodes for AZIBs.