Harnessing the Potential of Zn Powder Anodes: Innovations and Future Directions in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

The pursuit of alternative anode materials featuring inexpensive, efficient, and adaptable is shaping the future of rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries. The Zn powder anodes stand out among contenders due to their cost‐effectiveness, exceptional processability, and adjustability. However, their widespread use is hampered by significant challenges, including volume expansion and dendrite growth. To counter these issues, a gamut of optimization strategies for Zn powder anodes has been explored and developed. This review systematically encapsulates these research findings, offering a comprehensive understanding of various enhancement methods, such as three‐dimensional printing, in‐situ surface engineering, scalable electrostatic self‐assembly, and epoxy oligomer binding. These methodologies are discussed in detail in the context of their unique synthesis methods and underlying mechanisms. The paper concludes by outlining prospective research trajectories aimed at further optimizing the use of Zn powder anodes in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries, thereby illuminating potential avenues for future exploration and development.

Zn Powder-Based Anodes for Aqueous Zn Metal Batteries: Strategies, Structures, and Perspectives

“…16,22,26,27 Although significant progress has been made in Zn powderbased anodes, there are still significant obstacles for their practical applications. 28 In particular, it is necessary to further improve their cycling stability and rate performance. However, to the best of our knowledge, most reviews of Zn anodes have only partially introduced Zn powder anodes, and several reviews of Zn powder anodes mainly discuss the advances, issues, and modification strategies.…”

“…Although significant progress has been made in Zn powder-based anodes, there are still significant obstacles for their practical applications . In particular, it is necessary to further improve their cycling stability and rate performance.…”

“…In particular, it is necessary to further improve their cycling stability and rate performance. However, to the best of our knowledge, most reviews of Zn anodes have only partially introduced Zn powder anodes, and several reviews of Zn powder anodes mainly discuss the advances, issues, and modification strategies. − There is currently a lack of such a comprehensive review that evaluates this topic from multiple perspectives. To fill this gap, this review summarizes and discusses the advances, issues, and optimized strategies (especially the surface coatings, current collector modification, electrolyte optimization) of Zn powder-based anodes.…”