Guiding Principles for the Design of Artificial Interface Layer for Zinc Metal Anode

Abstract Zinc‐ion battery has become a research hotspot in the energy storage field due to its low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, zinc as an anode has some problems such as dendrites and hydrogen evolution on the surface, which hinder the practical application of zinc. These problems are closely related to the platting and stripping behavior of zinc at the electrode interface. The construction of an artificial interface layer is one of the most direct and effective methods to protect the zinc anode, which is helpful to improve the cycle life and utilization of the zinc anode. Here, we systematically review the progress and practical significance of artificial interfacial layers in terms of uniform ion transport, inhibition of side reactions and mechanical stability. Three design principles of the artificial interface layer are summarized to guide the further research, and to bring enlightenment for the construction of practical and efficient metal zinc anode.