Structural Design Strategies of Zinc Powder Anode towards Rechargeable Zinc-based Batteries

Rechargeable Zn-based batteries are gaining increased interest for use in energy storage systems due to their inherent safety, affordability, and eco-friendliness. Zn powder is highly regarded as a promising material for Zn-based batteries due to its cost-effectiveness, superior electrochemical performance and ease of processing, as well as customizable utilization rate, which holds great potential in increasing overall energy density of Zn-based batteries. However, the commercialization of Zn powder anodes still remains great challenges such as more severe hydrogen evolution, volume effect caused electrical contact failure, poor macroscopic mechanical strength in comparison with zinc foils and additional short circuits due to dendrite growth. This topical review focuses on the recent research advance of Zn power-based anodes. A comprehensive organization of the previously reported benefits and challenges in Zn powder anode is firstly provided. Then, the advancements in structural design strategies of Zn powder anodes, and the corresponding electrochemical performance are discussed in detail. Finally, the future challenges in developing practical Zn powder anode based on crystallography, mechanics, electrode process engineering and other related fields are examined. This review offers a fresh perspective on designing Zn powder anodes for use in commercial Zn-based energy storage systems in the future.