Mapping the design of electrolyte additive for stabilizing zinc anode in aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have garnered significant interest as an important solution for large-scale energy storage due to their enhanced safety and affordability. Nevertheless, dendrites formation and side reactions faced by Zn anodes have hindered their commercial development. Electrolyte additives, among various methods to stabilize Zn anodes, have emerged as the most commercially viable technique due to their low dosage and potent effects, offering substantial economic benefits. While massive literature reviews have explored strategies for comprehensive Zn anode stabilization, there remains a lack of systematic investigation into electrolyte additives. This review commences by addressing the challenges and root causes faced by Zn anodes, providing essential context for understanding the significance of electrolyte additives. It then proceeds to offer an overview of characterization techniques applied in the analysis of electrolyte additives mechanism. Subsequently, the review provides a comprehensive examination of the various types of electrolyte additives and their respective mechanisms. Lastly, the review outlines potential future developments and challenges in this field, with the hope that it will facilitate in-depth and tangible research to promote commercialization.