Recent Progresses of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries and Their Prospects in the Field of Smart City

Due to their excellent reliability, low cost, and environmental friendliness, aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) present a promising prospect for both mobile and stationary energy storage for smart devices and cities. However, current challenges, such as anode dendrite growth, cathode dissolution, and parasitic side reactions, hinder the practical application of AZIBs. This review first provides an in-depth explanation of the energy storage mechanisms of anodes and cathodes. A comprehensive discussion of typical issues with the anode, cathode, and electrolyte of AZIBs is then presented. Furthermore, the practical considerations and potential applications in the development of smart flexible electronics are illustrated. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for the future development of practical AZIBs are highlighted. This review is expected to serve as a guidepost for the practical applications of AZIBs for clean, sustainable, and efficient energy storage and management in new urban forms. Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted much attention due to their excellent safety, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, thereby being considered as one of the most promising candidates for smart and flexible electronics. This review highlights the detailed and comprehensive reaction principles, and existing outstanding issues of AZIBs. The requirements, recent advances and challenges, and outlook are proposed.image