Rational Design of Cellulose‐Based Gel Electrolytes for Next‐Generation Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Mechanisms, Advances, and Perspectives

ABSTRACT Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained considerable attention as sustainable energy storage systems, offering advantages in capacity, safety, and cost. However, issues such as dendrite growth and side reactions hinder their practical adoption. Cellulose‐based gel electrolytes (CGEs) have recently emerged as promising materials to mitigate these challenges. By inhibiting zinc dendrite formation and enhancing interfacial stability, CGEs improve cycling longevity and safety in ZIBs. This review begins by classifying gel electrolytes and outlining the distinctive benefits of CGEs prepared via crosslinking and non‐crosslinking strategies. It then systematically examines recent developments in CGEs for use with various cathode materials and in multifunctional ZIBs configurations. Finally, the environmental merits and compelling electrochemical properties of CGEs are highlighted, together with a forward‐looking discussion on their role in next‐generation ZIBs and related future research directions. This work provides a timely and comprehensive resource that integrates materials design with electrochemical insights, offering valuable guidance for the rational development of CGEs.