Issue

Vol. 18 (2026)

Rational Electrolyte Structure Engineering for Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Anode in Aqueous Batteries

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01950-7
Yi Zhuang
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
Yukai Liang
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
Wenyao Zhang
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
Yuntong Sun
School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459, Singapore
Zhenxing Wang
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
Jingyan Guan
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
Boyuan Zhu
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
Junjie Cui
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
Jiahao Tang
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
Jong‑Min Lee
School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459, Singapore
Junwu Zhu
Key Laboratory for Soft Chemistry and Functional Materials Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Junwu Zhu

zhujw@njust.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 18 (2026), Article Number: 102

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have garnered considerable attention as promising post-lithium energy storage technologies owing to their intrinsic safety, cost-effectiveness, and competitive gravimetric energy density. However, their practical commercialization is hindered by critical challenges on the anode side, including dendrite growth and parasitic reactions at the anode/electrolyte interface. Recent studies highlight that rational electrolyte structure engineering offers an effective route to mitigate these issues and strengthen the electrochemical performance of the zinc metal anode. In this review, we systematically summarize state-of-the-art strategies for electrolyte optimization, with a particular focus on the zinc salts regulation, electrolyte additives, and the construction of novel electrolytes, while elucidating the underlying design principles. We further discuss the key structure–property relationships governing electrolyte behavior to provide guidance for the development of next-generation electrolytes. Finally, future perspectives on advanced electrolyte design are proposed. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive reference for researchers exploring high-performance electrolyte engineering in AZIBs.


Highlights:
1 This review systematically summarizes the electrochemical principles governing Zn2+ nucleation and deposition, elucidating their intrinsic correlations.
2 The review discusses zinc salt optimization, electrolyte additives, and novel electrolyte designs, providing mechanistic insights into anodic Zn2+ electrodeposition.
3 The review proposes future directions for aqueous zinc metal anode, including dynamic reconstruction, AI-guided additive screening, etc.

Keywords

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries Electrolyte structure Anode/electrolyte interphase Zinc anode
Zhuang, Yi, Yukai Liang, Wenyao Zhang, Yuntong Sun, Zhenxing Wang, Jingyan Guan, Boyuan Zhu, Junjie Cui, Jiahao Tang, Jong‑Min Lee, and Junwu Zhu. 2026. “Rational Electrolyte Structure Engineering for Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Anode in Aqueous Batteries”. Nano-Micro Letters 18 (January):102. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01950-7.
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