Comprehensive regulation strategies for gel electrolytes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) offer a promising energy storage option thanks to their safety, affordability, and stable electrochemical properties. Nevertheless, commercialization remains hindered by challenges including zinc dendrite growth, electrolyte-electrode interface instability, and performance deterioration caused by the high activity of water. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have demonstrated significant improvements in both performance and safety of AZIBs, attributed to their flexibility and superior interfacial contact properties. This review elucidates the transformative potential of GPEs, focusing on strategies including the construction of selective ion channels, reduction of water activity, optimization of solvation structures, and stabilization of the electrode-electrolyte interface. Additionally, this review analyzes the molecular-level mechanisms underlying these strategies and explores the functional versatility of GPEs in flexible energy storage devices. The findings in this work underscore the crucial role of GPEs in overcoming key obstacles in AZIBs technology, paving the way for commercial applications and steering future research toward the creation of high-performance, safe, and eco-friendly AZIBs.