Two-Dimensional Cathode Materials for Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc-Ion Batteries†

Comprehensive Summary Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) featuring low cost, superior performance, and environmental benignity have attracted dramatic attention as a promising alternative energy storage system to lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the development of ZIBs is still hindered by the limited selection of cathode materials due to the large solvation sheath and charge density of Zn2+. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted extraordinary attention owing to the unique layered structure bonded by weak van der Waals' forces, which makes them promising host materials for Zn2+ intercalation/de-intercalation. In this review, the synthesis and properties of 2D materials for cathodes in ZIBs are discussed. Meanwhile, various reports on 2D materials as ZIBs cathodes are summarized. Three key strategies to elicit improved Zn2+ storage abilities: defect engineering, heterostructure engineering, and interlayer engineering, are highlighted. Finally, this review ends with perspectives relating to the challenges and opportunities of 2D materials-based ZIBs.

Automated summary

This review discusses the synthesis and properties of 2D materials for cathodes in ZIBs, as well as summarizes various reports on 2D materials as ZIBs cathodes. Three key strategies to elicit improved Zn2+ storage abilities are highlighted: defect engineering, heterostructure engineering, and interlayer engineering. Perspectives relating to the challenges and opportunities of 2D materials-based ZIBs are also provided at the end of this review.