Large-scale Energy Storage Research Articles

Deciphering the multi-electron redox chemistry of metal-sulfide electrode toward advanced aqueous Cu ion storage

While neutral aqueous metal batteries, featuring cost-effectiveness and non-flammability, hold significant potential for large-scale energy storage, their practical application is hampered by the limited specific capacity of cathode materials (less than 500 mAh g−1). Herein, capacity-oriented CoS2 and rate-optimized Co9S8 cathodes are developed based on the aqueous copper ion system. The charge-storage mechanism is systematically investigated through a series of ex-situ tests and density functional theory calculations, focusing on the reversible transitions of Co9S8→Cu7S4→Cu9S5/Cu1.8S and CoS2→Cu7S4→Cu2S, which are associated with the redox reactions of Cu2+/Cu+‖Co2+/Co and Cu2+/Cu+‖S22−/S2−, respectively. The electrochemical results show that CoS2 can exhibit a superior capacity of 619 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 400 cycles, while Co9S8 maintains an outstanding rate performance of 497 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 (the retention rate is 95% compared to 521 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1). As a proof of concept, an advanced CoS2//Zn hybrid aqueous battery demonstrates a working voltage of 1.20 V and a specific energy of 663 Wh kgcathode−1. This work provides an alternative direction for developing sulfide cathodes in energetic aqueous metal batteries.

Retrofitting of a hybrid propulsion shunting locomotive equipped with Fuel Cell and Metal Hydrides storage

Abstract The use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is more and more interesting in the current energy scenario due to the possibility of utilizing electrolysis as a large-scale energy storage solution for renewable energy plants and its versatility as a fuel in various applications, both stationary (hard-to-abate industries) and in transports. However, the use of hydrogen still presents technological challenges, particularly concerning its storage and transportation. The use of metal hydrides (MH) intermetallic compounds to store the gas helps to reduce the hazards and technological complexities that other storage systems (such as high-pressure compressed hydrogen or liquid hydrogen) may entail, allowing low pressure storage. These compounds are capable of absorbing hydrogen atoms into their interstitial lattice, releasing them once heated with a sufficient amount of heat. This study assesses the possibility of using (instead of a compressed hydrogen storage system) a metal hydride system onboard of a shunting locomotive (to be used in ports and interports) as part of a retrofitting process aimed at converting the locomotive itself to hydrogen, equipping it with a PEMFC driven power-train whose waste heat could be valorised to drive the management of MH discharge. Based on the locomotive’s characteristics and constraints (weights and size, amount of fuel to be stored onboard according to its mission profile), the amount of hydrogen that could be installed on the vehicle was assessed, looking at the feasibility of storing H2 on board via MH due to space and weight constraints. In this analysis, three different metallic compounds (LaNi5, TiFe, TiMn1.5) widely used in the field of metal hydrides, and various tank designs (which allow different heat exchange between the MH and the heat transfer fluid coming from the PEMFC) have been considered in order. The different tank layouts were compared to analyse the thermal management of the metal hydride discharge process through the recovery of waste heat from the locomotive’s power-train fuel cell, thus targeting solutions for the final MH tank sizing and design.

Adaptive frequency modulation optimization algorithm for supporting power grid of large-scale energy storage power station based on small samples

Abstract Addressing frequency instability issues stemming from scarce modulation resources and limited willingness to modulate in large-scale energy storage power station grids, this paper introduces a small-sample-based adaptive optimization algorithm for frequency modulation. Leveraging cross-correlation coefficients of small sample nodes, it analyzes and extracts frequency modulation characteristics, optimizing existing fluctuations to enhance adaptive control efficiency. Experimental outcomes demonstrate its effectiveness in adaptively optimizing frequency modulation, yielding low modulation and initial disturbances across varying scenarios, thereby showcasing robust adaptive optimization performance.

Earth-abundant FeSO4-based conversion-type cathode for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained prominence as the ideal choice for next-generation large-scale energy storage systems owing to advantages such as sodium abundance and cost-effectiveness. However, their synthesis requires harsh conditions such as high pressure and temperature, and the cathode materials exhibit poor electrical conductivity and sluggish kinetics, hindering SIBs from meeting the requirements for practical applications. In this study, a conversion-type Gr/FeSO4 nanocomposite based on earth-abundant and environmentally friendly elements was developed using a high-energy mechanical ball-milling method. The conversion reaction in FeSO4 was triggered via a simple direct-contact pre-sodiation method, wherein the FeSO4 particles were reversibly converted to Fe0 and Na2SO4 and recovered in the next charging process. Meanwhile, graphene in Gr/FeSO4 acted as a conductive matrix that provided additional electron transfer paths, resulting in increased ionic and electronic conductivities and enhanced diffusion kinetics. Owing to these matrices, the as-prepared Gr/FeSO4 nanocomposite exhibited remarkable long-term cyclability. This study highlights the advantages of combining pre-sodiation and conversion reactions for cathodes and demonstrates the feasibility of employing naturally abundant FeSO4 for high-performance SIBs.

A donor-acceptor conjugated bipolar polymer with multielectron redox sites for long-cycle-life and high-rate aqueous zinc dual-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have hugely latent advantages in large-scale energy storage due to its innate safety, reasonable price, and sustainability. However, most AZIB cathode materials suffer from short cycling life and poor rate performance. Herein, a bipolar donor-acceptor (D-A) conjugated microporous polymer (PTZ-BDTB), consisting of electron-withdrawing benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene-4,8-dione (BDTB) units and electron-donating phenothiazine (PTZ) units, is developed as the cathode material of aqueous zinc dual-ion batteries (AZDIBs). The D-A type structure design could reduce the band gap, thus promoting electron transfer in the polymer framework. Therefore, the PTZ-BDTB cathode in a 30 mol/kg (m) ZnCl2 water-in-salt electrolyte exhibits a high reversible capacity of 202 mA h g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 with excellent rate performance (109 mA h g−1 at 15 A g−1), which is far superior to its counterpart polymers PPTZ and PB-BDTB. Impressively, PTZ-BDTB shows ultra-stable cycle performance with capacity retention ratios of 76.2% after 460 cycles at 0.05 A g−1 and 96% after 27000 cycles at 5 A g−1. PTZ-BDTB also exhibits a low self-discharge ability with capacity retention about 76.4% after resting the battery for 28 days. These results demonstrate that D-A type structural design is a promising strategy for constructing high performance cathode materials for AZDIBs.

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids as proton reservoir for stable polyaniline cathode in zinc-iodine batteries

Aqueous zinc (Zn)-iodine (I2) batteries (ZIBs) are promising large-scale energy storage systems with high safety and low cost. However, the practical application of ZIBs is hindered by the dissolution of I3- ions, which leads to the shuttle effect and the loss of active iodine. Herein, we adopt an electrolyte modification strategy using two imidazolium-based ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([BMIM]I) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([EMIM]I)) as electrolyte additives to restrain the dissolution of I3- ions and enhance the performance of ZIBs. To be specific, the imidazole rings in [BMIM]+ and [EMIM]+ can be used as the proton sources, promoting the conversion of imine to protonated amines –NH+= in the polyaniline and subsequent adsorption of I3- ions. Therefore, the dissolution of I3- ions and shuttle effect are prevented, facilitating the reaction kinetics of cathode. As a proof of concept, the ZIB using [BMIM]I and [EMIM]I as electrolyte additives demonstrates remarkable cycling performance (72.2 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles) at a high current density of 20 mA cm−2

Synergetic bifunctional Cu-In alloy interface enables Ah-level Zn metal pouch cells

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-metal batteries, considered as the possible post-lithium-ion battery technology for large-scale energy storage, face severe challenges such as dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution side reaction (HER) on Zn negative electrode. Herein, a three-dimensional Cu-In alloy interface is developed through a facile potential co-replacement route to realize uniform Zn nucleation and HER anticatalytic effect simultaneously. Both theoretical calculations and experimental results demonstrate that this bifunctional Cu-In alloy interface inherits the merits of low Zn-nucleation overpotential and high HER overpotential from individual copper and indium constituents, respectively. Moreover, the dynamical self-reconstruction during cycling leads to an HER-anticatalytic and zincophilic gradient hierarchical structure, enabling highly reversible Zn chemistry with dendrite-free Zn (002) deposition and inhibited HER. Moreover, the improved interface stability featured by negligible pH fluctuations in the diffusion layer and suppressed by-product formation is evidenced by in-situ scanning probe technology, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical gas chromatography. Consequently, the lifespan of the CuIn@Zn symmetric cell is extended to more than one year with a voltage hysteresis of 6 mV. Importantly, the CuIn@Zn negative electrode is also successfully coupled with high-loading iodine positive electrode to fabricate Ah-level (1.1 Ah) laminated pouch cell, which exhibits a capacity retention of 67.9% after 1700 cycles.

Honeycomb-like Superstructure of 3D Sodiophilic Host for Anode-Free Sodium Batteries

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) have emerged as a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage systems due to their abundance and cost-effectiveness. However, the high reactivity of sodium (Na) inevitably leads to side reactions and it's infinite volume expansion would definitely limit the applications. The anode-free Na batteries (AFNB) significantly enhance energy density by eliminating excess sodium, but bring a few challenges in terms of cycling stability. In this study, we report that honeycomb-like Bi-nanosheets arrays vertically grown on a Cu mesh, this unique 3D superstructure accommodate the volumetric changes and provides abundant sodiophilic nucleation sites. The Na||Cu half-cell battery demonstrates high reversibility of Na plating/stripping with an average coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.8% at high current density. The Na||Na symmetrical cell exhibits a stable cycle lifespan of over 1000 hours at a significant discharge depth (DOD) of 75%. The NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) cathode in AFNB cell with an N/P ratio of 1 displays an initial capacity of 95.18 mA h g-1 for 267 cycles at 1 C, with an outstanding capacity retention of 93.22%. Our work proposes a potential path toward establishing a highly sodiophilic 3D sodium host, thereby promoting its application in high-stability AFNBs.

Transitioning from anhydrous Stanfieldite-type Na2Fe(SO4)2 Precursor to Alluaudite-type Na2+2δFe2-δ(SO4)3/C composite Cathode: A Pathway to Cost-Effective and All-Climate Sodium-ion Batteries

Low-cost and long-life cathode materials, such as the polyanionic iron-based Alluaudite-type Na2+2δFe2-δ(SO4)3, are crucial for future large-scale energy storage applications. This material is typically synthesized from the hydrated precursor Na2Fe(SO4)2·4H2O. However, the vapor released during the heating of crystal water can lead to reduced crystallinity, increased fraction of Na6Fe(SO4)4 impurities, and potential structural damage to Na2+2δFe2-δ(SO4)3. For the first time, we synthesized a stable Stanfieldite-type Na2Fe(SO4)2 material using a well-designed sol-gel method. This approach effectively mitigates the aforementioned risks by facilitating a unique transition from anhydrous Na2Fe(SO4)2 precursor to Na2+2δFe2-δ(SO4)3 cathode. The enhanced crystallinity, controllable impurity fraction, and reduced migration barriers of the pristine Na2+2δFe2-δ(SO4)3 cathode significantly improve electrochemical performance. Moreover, we constructed Na2+2δFe2-δ(SO4)3/C composite cathodes to optimize their high-rate capacity and cycling retention. At 25 ℃, these composites exhibit remarkable high-rate capacity and maintain an impressive 92.2 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 10 C. In tests under extreme conditions at -25°C, 0°C, and 60°C, they sustained over 90 % capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1 C or exceeded 95 % after 200 cycles at 2 C. Furthermore, the assembled Na2+2δFe2-δ(SO4)3/C//HC full cells demonstrate superior rate capacity and long-term cycling stability, indicating their promising potential for commercial applications.

High-Entropy Multiple-Anion Aqueous Electrolytes for Long-Life Zn-Metal Anodes.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) hold great promise for large-scale energy storage applications, however, their practical use is significantly hindered by issues such as zinc dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution. To address these challenges, we propose a high-entropy (HE) electrolyte design strategy that incorporates multiple zinc salts, aimed at enhancing ion kinetics and improving the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte. The interactions between multiple anions and Zn2+ increase the complexity of the solvation structure, resulting in smaller ion clusters while maintaining weakly anion-rich solvation structures. This leads to improved ion mobility and the formation of robust interphase layers on the electrode-electrolyte interface. Moreover, the HE electrolyte effectively suppresses hydrogen evolution and corrosion side reactions while facilitating uniform and reversible Zn plating/stripping processes. Impressively, the optimized electrolyte enables dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping for over 3000 h in symmetric cells and achieves a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.5% at 10 mA cm-2 in asymmetric cells. Inspiringly, full cells paired with Ca-VO2 cathodes demonstrate excellent performance, retaining 81.5% of the initial capacity over 1800 cycles at 5 A g-1. These significant findings highlight the potential of this electrolyte design strategy to improve the performance and lifespan of Zn-metal anodes in AZIBs.

Quantum Spin Exchange Interactions Trigger O p Band Broadening for Enhanced Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Performance.

The pressing demand for large-scale energy storage solutions has propelled the development of advanced battery technologies, among which zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are prominent due to their resource abundance, high capacity, and safety in aqueous environments. However, the use of manganese oxide cathodes in ZIBs is challenged by their poor electrical conductivity and structural stability, stemming from the intrinsic properties of MnO2 and the destabilizing effects of ion intercalation. To overcome these limitations, our research delves into atomic-level engineering, emphasizing quantum spin exchange interactions (QSEI). These essential for modifying electronic characteristics, can significantly influence material efficiency and functionality. We demonstrate through density functional theory (DFT) calculations that enhanced QSEI in manganese oxides broadens the O p band, narrows the band gap, and optimizes both proton adsorption and electron transport. Empirical evidence is provided through the synthesis of Ru-MnO2 nanosheets, which display a marked increase in energy storage capacity, achieving 314.4 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 and maintaining high capacity after 2000 cycles. Our findings underscore the potential of QSEI to enhance the performance of TMO cathodes in ZIBs, pointing to new avenues for advancing battery technology.

Recent Advances in Electrolytes for Magnesium Batteries: Bridging the gap between Chemistry and Electrochemistry.

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have the potential to provide a sustainable and long-term solution for large-scale energy storage due to high theoretical capacity of magnesium (Mg) metal as an anode, its competitive redox potential (Mg/Mg2+:-2.37 V vs. SHE) and high natural abundance. To develop viable magnesium batteries with high energy density, the electrolytes must meet a range of requirements: high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical potential window, chemical compatibility with electrode materials and other battery components, favourable electrode-electrolyte interfacial properties and cost-effective synthesis. In recent years, significant progress in electrolyte development has been made. Herein, a comprehensive overview of these advancements is presented. Beginning with the early developments, we particularly focus on the chemical aspects of the electrolytes and their correlations with electrochemical properties. We also highlight the design of new anions for practical electrolytes, the use of electrolyte additives to optimize anode-electrolyte interfaces and the progress in polymer electrolytes.

Ball-Milling-Assisted N/O Codoping for Enhanced Sodium Storage Performance of Coconut-Shell-Derived Hard Carbon Anodes in Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are regarded as cost-effective alternatives or competitors to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale electric energy storage applications. However, their development has been hindered by the high cost of hard carbon (HC) anodes and poor electrochemical performance. To enhance the sodium storage capacity and rate performance of HC, this study accelerated the electrochemical performance of coconut-shell-derived HC anodes for SIBs through N/O codoping using ball milling and pyrolysis. Experimental results demonstrate that the simultaneous introduction of N and O generates a synergistic effect, increasing the surface oxygen-containing functional groups, defects, and interlayer spacing of coconut-shell-derived HC through the codoping of light elements. The excellent strategy has increased the slope capacity and platform capacity of HC, and the synergistic modification of N/O has increased its reversible specific capacity from 272 to 343 mA h g-1 (30 mA g-1), with a retention rate of approximately 92.1% after 100 cycles. In addition, it also exhibits an excellent rate performance, reaching 178 mA h g-1 at 1500 mA g-1. In summary, this study presents an effective strategy for modifying biomass-derived HC.

A multifunctional separator as sustained release Carrier of NaNO3 to Address the low solubility of Nitrate in Electrolyte

In the face of modern large-scale energy storage needs, sodium metal batteries (SMBs) with high energy density have received widespread attention. However, safety and cycle stability issues have become obstacles to the practical application of SMBs. In this paper, we present a multifunctional and high-performance SMBs separator (NNP91) utilizing the nonwoven composite NaNO3@PVDF. NNP91 has good tensile properties and offers possibilities for flexible batteries. In addition, NNP91 has a dense separator layer that can physically block sodium dendrites to prevent short-circuit of the cell. More importantly, NNP91 brings NaNO3 into the cell, which is insoluble in conventional electrolytes. NaNO3 and Na metal form a nitride-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that inhibits the disordered growth of sodium dendrites, increases the rate of ionic shuttling and exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. NNP91 offers a new approach to inorganic materials insoluble in electrolytes.

A two-pronged approach:Bulk-phase substitution and second-phase synergism to enhance the anion redox stability of layered oxide cathode for sodium-ion batteries

As a supplement to lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries have great application potential in large-scale energy storage equipment, vehicle start-stop power supplies, and low-speed electric vehicle power. P3-NaxLiyMn1-yO2 (NLMO), has received widespread attention due to its higher charge voltage and discharge capacity. However, poor cycle stability and rapid voltage platform decay caused by the release of oxygen during charging hinder its practical application. This paper reports a new NLMO modification strategy, which effectively improves the cycling stability of NLMO by substituting Zr4+ for Mn4+ in the bulk phase to suppress the O2−/On− redox couple activity and stabilize the ZrO2 second phase lattice. Under the combined action of substitution and second phase, the capacity retention rate of NLMO@Zr0.15 was 85.4 % after 100 cycles at a rate of 5 C. The results show that Zr4+ changes the coordination environment and electronic structure of O in the crystal lattice, prompting further splitting of Mn t2 g, thereby increasing the proportion of Mn 3d orbitals near the Fermi level. During the first discharge process, due to the charge balancing effect, Mn3+/Mn4+ replaced the electrochemical activity of O2−/On−, obtaining a specific capacity of up to 161 mAh g−1. This internal and external improvement idea provides a new direction for solving the poor cycle stability of NLMO high specific energy sodium-ion battery cathode materials and improving the specific capacity.

Explosion characteristics of two-phase ejecta from large-capacity lithium iron phosphate batteries

When a thermal runaway accident occurs in a lithium-ion battery energy storage station, the battery emits a large amount of flammable electrolyte vapor and thermal runaway gas, which may cause serious combustion and explosion accidents when they are ignited in a confined space. With the gradual development of large-scale energy storage batteries, the composition and explosive characteristics of thermal runaway products in large-scale lithium iron phosphate batteries for energy storage remain unclear. In this paper, the content and components of the two-phase eruption substances of 340Ah lithium iron phosphate battery were determined through experiments, and the explosion parameters of the two-phase battery eruptions were studied by using the improved and optimized 20L spherical explosion parameter test system, which reveals the explosion law and hazards of the two-phase battery eruptions. Studies have shown that in a two-phase system explosion, EMC can make the two-phase system more explosive and more powerful, and the thermal runaway gas expands its explosion concentration range. The coupling explosion of the two enhanced the sensitivity and explosive power of the two-phase ejecta. Increasing the concentration of any combustible in a two-phase system will cause the explosion intensity parameters of the system to increase. However, when the combustible concentration exceeds the optimal explosion concentration, the explosion intensity parameters will decrease or even no explosion will occur. Both explosion intensity parameters and sensitivity parameters are more sensitive to EMC concentration, and the higher the EMC concentration, the stronger its dominant role in the explosion of the two-phase system. This work can lay the foundation for revealing the disaster-causing mechanism of explosion accidents in lithium-ion battery energy storage power stations, guide the safe design of energy storage systems and the prevention and control of explosion accidents, and provide theoretical and data support for the investigation of explosion accidents in energy storage power stations.

Multidentate Chelating Ligands Enable High‐Performance Zinc‐Bromine Flow Batteries

Zinc bromine flow battery (ZBFB) is a promising battery technology for stationary energy storage. However, challenges specific to zinc anodes must be resolved, including zinc dendritic growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, and the occurrence of "dead zinc". Traditional additives suppress side reactions and zinc dendrite formation by altering the solvation structure of Zn2+ and adsorbing onto the zinc surface through only a limited number of zincophilic sites, resulting in weak adsorption on zinc metal and potential inability to simultaneously optimize the solvation structure of zinc ions. Obviously, increasing the number of potential zincophilic sites in the additive can significantly enhance the interaction with zinc. Herein, we propose a strong chelate, ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid (EDTMPA) as the additive, which boasts six potent zincophilic sites, not only promotes the formation of the water‐deficient inner Helmholtz plane but also plays a crucial role in restructuring the solvation environment of Zn2+. As a result, the zinc symmetric flow battery with EDTMPA exhibited exceptional coulombic efficiency of 99.4% over 800 cycles, surpassing the previous studies by a significant margin. Furthermore, the assembled ZBFB has showcased a dendrite‐free and enduring cycling over 400 cycles at 80 mA cm−2.

Development Overview and Perspective of Semi‐Solid Flow Batteries

AbstractThe development of efficient and cost‐effective grid energy storage devices is crucial for advancing the future of renewable energy. Semi‐solid flow batteries, as an emerging energy storage technology, offer significantly higher energy density and lower costs compared to traditional liquid flow batteries. However, the complex interplay between rheology and electrochemistry poses challenges for in‐depth investigation. With a sketch of historical development of semi‐solid flow batteries, this minireview summarizes several key issues, including particle interactions, electron transport, and the sustainability of electrochemical reactions in slurry electrodes. By tracing the technological evolution of semi‐solid flow batteries, we provide a forward‐looking perspective on their potential applications in future large‐scale energy storage systems, highlighting their promising role in addressing the challenges of energy transition.

Facile synthesis of GexSiO(1-x) alloys as a superior anode enables high-energy lithium-ion batteries

The large-scale development of low-cost silicon monoxide (SiO) anode is limited due to its low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor cycle stability. Herein, the GexSiO(1-x) (0<x<1) composite anode has been facile synthesized by introducing germanium (Ge) atoms disrupted the structure of SiO matrix, which exhibits superior lithium storage performance. In particular, the optimized Ge0.5SiO0.5 electrode with nanoscale dispersion shows a high ICE of 80.2 % and a reversible capacity of 673.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. To evaluate the effect of the Ge addition on the electrochemical properties, the lithium storage behaviors and structural evolution of the GexSiO(1-x) electrodes are investigated systematically. The in-situ electrochemical dilatometry reveals that the Ge0.5SiO0.5 electrode displays a better reversible thickness variation during cycling process. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation demonstrates that the SiGe domain can accommodate the volume expansion of Si and Ge domains. Moreover, the relationships between the electrochemical performance and morphology evolution demonstrate that the disordered structure and nanoscale distribution of Ge0.5SiO0.5 electrodes are the main reasons for improving ICE and cycle stability. This work provides a commercially available synthetic route for the design of advanced anode materials for large-scale energy storage applications.

Mechanism-Guided Rational Design of Anode Coatings for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) hold promises as a safer, more cost-effective, and environmental-friendly alternative to lithium-ion batteries, especially for stationary energy storage. Recent advancements in protective anode coatings, which fine-tune zinc ion solvation structure, have yielded significant improvements in the aqueous ZIB performance, addressing dendrite formation and side reactions, thereby prolonging cycle lifetime. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these coatings as ions sieves is crucial for further optimization and achieving long-term stability, which is a key requirement for practical applications. This concept explores recent developments in ZIB anode coatings from the view of molecular mechanisms and points out future research directions.