Review—Revisiting the Electroplating Process for Zn‐Metal Anodes: New Application of Traditional Electroplating Additive in ZIBs

Abstract

Because of its safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have aroused the wide interest of researchers. Especially the use of zinc metal as an anode of ZIBs has a higher theoretical capacity and simplifies the battery manufacturing process. However, serious problems happen at the electrode/electrolyte interface, such as dendrite growth and side reactions, making the coulombic efficiency and lifetime of Zn-metal electrodes far from satisfactory. It aroused the interest of researchers in seeking various additives to solve those above problems. For the rapid development of electrolyte additives in this new field, it is necessary to provide theoretical support. The electroplating of zinc metal has been developed for nearly two centuries. A rich theoretical basis and various efficient electroplating additives have been developed to improve the structure and properties. Furthermore, the essence of conventional electroplating and Zn plating for ZIBs is parallel. Recent research papers also reported some new applications of electroplating additives in ZIBs. This review starts from the basic theory of electroplating and relates the application of electroplating additives in reversible ZIBs. The basic and new understanding of traditional electroplating additives applied to high-performance ZIBs (including the mechanism of action, additive types, and technical challenges) is summarized, providing guidance for accurate evaluation and analysis of high-efficiency ZIBs electrolyte additives in the near future.