Functionalized Separator Strategies toward Advanced Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

摘要

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) enjoy a good reputation for being safe,affordable to produce, and ecologically friendly due to the use of water-basedelectrolytes. The main factors restricting the development of ZIBs, however,are the negative effects of dendrite deposition on the zinc anode and thedissolution of common cathodes such as Mn and V-based cathodes. Varioustechniques have been used to address these issues, including regulatingthe electrolyte concentration or solvation structure, developing a coating orcurrent collector to lessen anode dendrite growth, and improving the structuralstability of the cathode. Recently, functionalized separator strategieshave gained popularity as effective ways to improve ZIB performance. Theuse of a functionalized separator is also a practical technique to save costsand increase the volumetric energy density of the battery by substituting afunctionalized separator for the usual thick and expensive glass fiber separator.The development of functionalized separators in ZIBs is the subjectof ongoing research, and this work presents the most recent findings in asystematic manner, focusing on both the effects and the methods to prepareor modify them. Finally, a brief explanation of the constraints and futurepotential of current functionalized separator development is provided.