Cathode materials for zinc-based batteries

Aqueous zinc-based batteries are potentially safe systems for large-scale energy storage due to their high safety, low cost, abundant resources, environmental friendliness, and facile preparation processes. Despite significant progress in designing and developing high-performance zinc-based batteries, several challenges still need to be overcome for their practical application. Particularly, there is currently no viable cathode material for practical application. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the energy storage mechanisms, electrochemical performance, and latest advancements in cathode materials is provided in this article. The advantages and disadvantages of various cathode materials are discussed based on their energy storage mechanisms, while the challenges encountered in practical applications of these materials are analyzed. Additionally, potential new high-performance materials reported in recent research and novel strategies proposed to enhance electrochemical performance are discussed. By elucidating the current status of diverse cathode materials and outlining approaches for further improvement, this review aims to guide the future design of aqueous zinc-based batteries, thereby promoting their practical application. © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Tsinghua University Press.