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

Abstract

Aqueous 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.