Electrolyte additive of sorbitol rendering aqueous zinc-ion batteries with dendrite-free behavior and good anti-freezing ability

•Food-grade sorbitol is used as the electrolyte additive of aqueous Zn-ion batteries.•Sorbitol owns good affinity with both H2O molecule and Zn metal electrode.•Sorbitol can effectively suppress dendrites, side reactions, and corrosion issue.•The performances of Zn/MnO2 battery are significantly improved by sorbitol additive.•Sorbitol additive enables good anti-freezing ability and slow self-discharging rate.