Bridging Anode and Cathode Interfaces: Integrated Interfacial Strategies for Aqueous Metal–Air Batteries

Aqueous metal–air batteries (AMBs) represent next-generation energy storage technologies due to the intrinsic safety of aqueous electrolytes and environmental benignity. Yet, their practical deployment remains impeded by persistent interfacial instabilities at both electrodes. However, a comprehensive discussion on interface engineering strategies for AMBs is lacking. This review provides a holistic overview of recent progress in interface engineering strategies for both anodes and cathodes in AMBs. We first dissect the interfacial chemistry of metal anodes (Zn, Al, Fe, Mg, and Sn), highlighting degradation pathways in aqueous electrolytes and corresponding mitigation approaches. Next, we examine the mechanistic origins of kinetic bottlenecks at cathodes, analyzing oxygen reduction/evolution reaction pathways and the structure–activity correlations of catalysts. Methods for simultaneously optimizing the anode and cathode interfaces are presented. Finally, a critical outlook on the remaining challenges and future opportunities is given, underscoring the significance of the rational interfacial design for AMBs.