A review on the application of low-temperature plasma in the modification of key materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

In the context of the global energy transition, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted widespread attention due to their environmental friendliness, low cost, and high safety. However, the development of ZIBs faces many challenges, including dendrite growth, performance degradation of cathode material, and interface side reactions between electrode and electrolyte. The solution of these problems relies heavily on the properties improvement of the key materials of ZIBs. Low-temperature plasma (LTP) technology, with its high energy, high activity, low temperature, and high efficiency, offers advantages such as flexible process control, a wide range of applications, mild operating conditions, and environmental friendliness, providing an innovative approach for the modification of key ZIB materials. The application of LTP technology in the modification of key materials for ZIBs, such as zinc anodes, cathode materials, and separators, is reviewed. In which the focus is on the electrochemical performance optimization of the zinc anodes by LTP modification technology. Finally, the problems, challenges, and future directions of efforts in the application of LTP technology for the modification of key materials for ZIBs are discussed.