Pivotal Role of Organic Materials in Aqueous Zinc-Based Batteries: Regulating Cathode, Anode, Electrolyte, and Separator

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-based batteries have garnered considerable interest as promising energy storage devices due to the low cost, remarkable energy density, high safety, and eco-friendliness. However, the mutual challenges of cathode dissolution, electrolyte parasitic reactions, disordered zinc dendrite growth, and easily punctured separator have significantly impeded the widespread commercialization of aqueous zinc-based batteries. Realizing high-performance zinc-based batteries becomes imperative yet remains extremely challenging. To address these concerns, great efforts have recently been made to design high-performance zinc-based batteries. Here the state-of-the-art in organic materials is critically reviewed for aqueous zinc-based batteries, covering main components of a battery. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the design strategies of organic materials for zinc-based batteries, encompassing cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator. Furthermore, the challenges and prospective research directions are also discussed to provide a guideline for further development of highly stable zinc-based batteries.