Boosting zinc storage performance via conductive materials

Abstract Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are one of the most promising energy storage systems due to low cost, high safety and theoretical capacity. However, it is still a challenge to achieve high-performance aqueous ZIBs with long cycle life and high energy density because of low conductivity and poor structural stability of cathode materials. Conductive materials, such as carbon nanostructures, with good electrical conductivity, electrochemical stability and unique physical properties can combine with cathode materials to effectively improve the performance of aqueous ZIBs. In this review, the current strategies for rational incorporation of cathode materials with conductive materials, including carbon materials, conductive polymers and MXene, to achieve enhanced performance of ZIBs are summarized. The improved zinc storage performance for such hybrid cathode is also discussed in terms of microstructures and electrochemical reaction mechanism. Finally, we emphasize the essential role of conductive materials in enhancing zinc storage performance, and propose future research directions.