Artificial interphase engineering to stabilize aqueous zinc metal anodes

Aqueous Zn-ion system combining the advantages of energy density, intrinsic safety, and environmental benignity, has been regarded as a promising power source for future electronics. Besides cathodes and electrolytes, more attention should be paid to stabilizing zinc metal anodes since the main challenges in current aqueous Zn-ion batteries are still the hydrogen evolution and dendrite growth of the zinc anode. Thereupon, artificial interphase engineering that integrates the highly tunable, selectable, and controllable characteristics becomes one of the most effective ways to stabilize zinc anodes. In this mini-review, state-of-the-art knowledge on the rational interphase engineering of aqueous zinc metal anodes in the functional layer coating and in situ solid electrolyte interphase formation are covered. The main focus of this work is to summarize the most recent development of artificial interphases in chemical composition, structure, and function. The potential issues and perspectives regarding materials and methods are presented.