Dendrite-Free Strategies for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Structure, Electrolyte, and Separator

Continued growth in energy demand and increased environmental pollution constitute major challenges that need to be addressed urgently. The development and utilization of renewable, sustainable, and clean energy sources, such as wind and solar, are crucial. However, the instability of these intermittent energy sources makes the need for energy storage systems increasingly urgent. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have received widespread attention due to their unique advantages, such as high energy density, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and safety. However, AZIBs face significant challenges, mainly the formation of zinc dendrites that seriously affect the stability and lifetime of the batteries, leading to battery failure. Therefore, reducing the formation of zinc dendrites is crucial for improving the performance of AZIBs. This review systematically and comprehensively comprehends the current strategies and advances in inhibiting the formation of zinc dendrites. By comprehensively analyzing the latest developments in zinc anode, electrolyte, separator design and modification, as well as other novel mechanisms, it provides researchers with a thorough understanding to guide future research and advance the development of AZIBs.