LAUSR

The growing demand for the renewable energy storage technologies stimulated the quest for efficient energy storage devices. In recent years, the rechargeable aqueous zinc-based battery technologies are emerging as a compelling alternative to the lithium-based batteries owing to the safety, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. Among the zinc-based energy devices, the rechargeable zinc-ion battery (ZIB) is drawing considerable attention. Nevertheless, the energy device is plagued with several issues, including the cathode dissolution, dendrite formation, etc. Despite several efforts in the recent past, ZIB is still in the infant stage and yet to reach the stage of large-scale production. Finding stable Zn2+ intercalation cathode material of high operating voltage and long cycling stability and dendrite-free Zn anode is the main challenge in the development of efficient zinc-ion storage device. This review discusses the various strategies, in terms of the engineering of cathode, anode and electrolyte, adopted for improving the charge storage performance of ZIB and highlights the recent ZIB technological innovations. A brief account on the history of zinc-based devices and various cathode materials tested for ZIB fabrication in the last five years are also included. The main focus of this review is to provide a detailed account on the rational engineering of the electrodes, electrolyte and separator for improving the charge storage performance with a future perspective to achieve high energy density and long cycling stability and large scale production for practical application.