Insights into the role of electrolyte additives for stable Zn anodes

Aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZIBs), characterized by their low cost, inherent safety, and environmental sustainability, represent a promising alternative for energy storage solutions in sustainable systems. Significant advancements have been made in developing high-performance cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs, which exhibit enhanced lifespan and energy density. However, challenges associated with zinc anodes, such as dendrite formation and side reactions, impede the practical application of ZIBs. This manuscript discusses the role of electrolyte additives in the Zn electrodeposition process and comprehensively describes strategies to enhance the anode stability through additive incorporation. It specifically focuses on the underlying mechanisms that regulate the solvation structure and the electrical double layer. Finally, the manuscript concludes with future perspectives on advancing Zn anode technology, aiming to provide guidelines for developing more robust Zn-based energy storage systems.