Shuguo Yuan, Wenqi Zhao, Zihao Song, Hai Lin, Xiangyang Zhao, Zhenxing Feng, Zhichuan Xu, Hongjin Fan, Qingli Zou
Abstract Aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries (AZMBs) have distinct advantages in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness. However, the industrial application of AZMBs is currently not ready due to challenges of Zn dendrite growth and the side reactions such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on the Zn anodes. In this review, we discuss how inorganic interfaces impact the Zn 2+ plating/stripping reaction and overall cell performance. The discussion is categorized based on the types of inorganic materials, including metal oxides, other metal compounds, and inorganic salts. The proposed protection mechanisms for Zn metal anodes are highlighted, with a focus on the dendrite and HER inhibition mechanisms facilitated by various inorganic materials. We also provide our perspective on the rational design of advanced interfaces to enable highly reversible Zn 2+ plating/stripping reactions toward highly stable AZMBs, paving the way for their practical implementation in energy storage.