Design Strategies and Advanced Methods for Cathode Engineering in Aqueous Zinc‐Iodine Batteries

Abstract Aqueous zinc‐iodine batteries (AZIBs) have attracted increasing attention as a safe, cost‐effective, and sustainable energy storage solution. As the key component determining capacity and energy density, the iodine cathode faces persistent challenges, including polyiodide shuttling, high‐valence iodine species hydrolysis, sluggish redox kinetics, and poor multi‐electron utilization. Recent research efforts have focused on rational design of iodine cathodes to enhance iodine species confinement, promote reversible multi‐electron redox reactions, and improve reaction kinetics. This review systematically summarizes recent advances of iodine cathode design strategies in two‐electron and multi‐electron AZIBs, emphasizing material structures, interaction mechanisms, and their roles in improving reaction kinetics. Finally, perspectives are offered on future opportunities to guide the development of high‐performance, long‐life AZIBs.