Electrolyte Stabilizes Zn2+ Reduction Reaction Process: Solvation, Interface and Kinetics

Abstract

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), lauded for their low cost, eco‐friendliness, and high safety, have garnered significant attention. However, their commercial viability is hindered by the challenges of dendrite growth and side reactions during the Zn2+ reduction reaction process. Electrolyte as the indispensable component of batteries has a close relationship with the issues mentioned above. With the feature of simplicity, effectiveness, and scalability, regulating electrolytes is a particularly promising, feasible, and straightforward approach to stabilizing the Zn anode. The solvation design with less solvated water, interface optimization with water‐poor and pH‐stable interface, and kinetics regulation with fast Zn2+ transport, uniform Zn2+ flux, and orientational Zn growth can contribute to uniform Zn deposition with restrained corrosion. This review encapsulates the cutting‐edge advancements in electrolytes to stabilize the Zn anode. The mechanisms underlying these advancements, encompassing solvation structure design, Zn‐electrolyte interface optimization, and kinetics regulation are elucidated. Finally, this paper outlines current challenges and prospects in electrolyte development for ZIBs, providing valuable insights for future endeavors in this field.