Building better zinc-ion batteries: A materials perspective

Since they were first developed in 1899, Zn-ion batteries featuring an alkaline electrolyte became an important energy storage device, accounting for ∼80% of the batteries manufactured in the U.S. in 2010. In recent years, however, the rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have superseded older technologies. Now, the development of non-alkaline aqueous electrolyte-based rechargeable Zn-ion batteries have demonstrated potential for use the stationary energy storage devices (ESDs) and may eventually become an indispensable component of the smart electric grid of the future. In this review, we present the fundamentals, challenges, and the latest exciting developments on Zn-ion battery research. The detailed discussion is organized around the individual parts of the system from the Zn anode to a series of important cathode materials. This review then addresses the determine-effect of the chosen electrolyte on battery performance and summarizes possible optimization strategies. Finally, several new avenues of research for Zn-ion batteries, including hybrid and flexible batteries, are reviewed.