Abstract:

Rechargeable Zn-ion batteries, as an emerging energy storage technology, have been proven to be promising candidates in various application scenarios due to their intrinsic security, abundant Zn resources, and environmentally benign manufacturing conditions. However, the Zn anode suffers from issues such as dendrite growth and interfacial side reactions during repeated plating/stripping processes, severely limiting its cycle life and practical viability. To address these challenges, significant progress has been made through structural modulation of anodes to improve Zn deposition behavior and enhance electrochemical stability. Herein, from a multi-scale and mechanism-driven perspective, we focus on analyzing how various structural designs regulate electric field distribution, Zn²⁺ transport, nucleation behavior, and interfacial stability. Furthermore, we evaluate the advantages and limitations of these designs in mitigating the instability of Zn anodes. By systematically examining existing structural design strategies, we aim to establish a framework for engineering Zn anode structures and provide guidance for the rational designs of anodes in aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Key words: Zn-ion batteries, Zn anode, Structural design, 3D structure, Alloying