Review on Mechanisms and Strategies of Polymer Electrolytes for Regulating Dendrite-free Zinc Anodes in Aqueous Zinc-ion Batteries
DONG Zhixuan1,2, GU Yuchen2, FU Jianxue2, MA Ruguang2,*, YANG Xiaogang2,*
1 School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China 2 School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China
Abstract: Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) hold significant promise for energy storage applications, attributed to their inherent safety, low cost, and superior environmental compatibility. However, zinc anode suffers severe dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and corrosion during repeated plating/stripping processes. These issues result in reduced Coulombic efficiency and diminished cycling stability, ultimately limiting the practical application and further advancement of ZIBs. Polymer electrolytes (PEs) offer a feasible solution not only to effectively alle-viate these challenges but also to facilitate the development of wearable electronics due to their intrinsic flexibility. This review elaborates on the fundamental mechanisms underlying zinc dendrite formation and systematically summarizes recent progress in strategies for dendrite suppression by utilizing PEs, such as interfacial engineering, solvation structure modulation, and mechanical property reinforcement. By clarifying the intrinsic suppression mechanisms and highlighting the state-of-the-art advancements, this review intends to deepen the fundamental understanding and inspire further research endeavors in this field. Finally, prospects and challenges associated with the practical implementation of PEs in ZIBs are critically presented.
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