Progress of Phosphate-based Polyanion Cathodes for Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Batteries

Aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries (ARZBs) are recently prevailing devices that utilize the abundant Zn resources and the merits of aqueous electrolytes to become a competitive alternative for large-scale energy storage. Benefiting from the unique inductive effect and flexible structure, the past five years have experienced a diversiform of phosphate-based polyanion materials that are used as cathodes in ARZBs. In this review, the most recent advances in the Zn2+ storage mechanisms and electrolyte optimization of the phosphate-based cathodes of ARZBs, which mainly focus on vanadium/iron-based phosphates and their derivatives are presented. Furthermore, in addition to significant progress on polyanion phosphate-based cathode materials, the design strategies both for electrode materials and compatible electrolytes are also elaborated to improve the energy density and extend the cycling life of aqueous Zn/polyanion batteries.

Automated summary

This review presents the recent advances in the Zn2+ storage mechanisms and electrolyte optimization of phosphate-based cathodes for aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries (ARZBs), with a focus on vanadium/iron-based phosphates and their derivatives. The design strategies for both electrode materials and compatible electrolytes are also elaborated to improve the energy density and extend the cycling life of aqueous Zn/polyanion batteries.