Pivotal Role of Organic Materials in Aqueous Zinc‐Based Batteries: Regulating Cathode, Anode, Electrolyte, and Separator

Abstract

AbstractAqueous zinc‐based batteries have garnered considerable interest as promising energy storage devices due to the low cost, remarkable energy density, high safety, and eco‐friendliness. However, the mutual challenges of cathode dissolution, electrolyte parasitic reactions, disordered zinc dendrite growth, and easily punctured separator have significantly impeded the widespread commercialization of aqueous zinc‐based batteries. Realizing high‐performance zinc‐based batteries becomes imperative yet remains extremely challenging. To address these concerns, great efforts have recently been made to design high‐performance zinc‐based batteries. Here the state‐of‐the‐art in organic materials is critically reviewed for aqueous zinc‐based batteries, covering main components of a battery. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the design strategies of organic materials for zinc‐based batteries, encompassing cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator. Furthermore, the challenges and prospective research directions are also discussed to provide a guideline for further development of highly stable zinc‐based batteries.