Developing Cathode Materials for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries: Challenges and Practical Prospects

Growth in intermittent renewable sources including solar and wind has sparked increasing interest in electrical energy storage. Grid-scale energy storage integrated with renewable sources has significant advantages in energy regulation and grid security. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as a practically attractive option for electrical storage because of environmentally benign aqueous-based electrolytes, high theoretical capacity of Zn anode, and significant global reserves of Zn. However, application of AZIBs at the grid-scale is restricted by drawbacks in cathode material(s). Herein, a comprehensive summary of the features and storage mechanisms of the latest cathode materials is provided. The fundamental problems and corresponding in-depth causes for cathode materials is critically reviewed. It is also assess practical challenges, appraise their translation to commerce and industry, and systematically summarize and discuss the potential solutions reported in recent works. It is established necessary design strategies for Zn anodes and electrolytes that are matched with cathode materials for commercializing AZIBs. Finally, it is concluded with a perspective on the practical prospects for advancing the development of future AZIBs. Findings will be of interest and benefit to a range of researchers and manufacturers in the design and application of AZIBs for grid-scale energy storage.