Advancing zinc-based batteries for next-generation energy storage: Key challenges, mitigation strategies, and future perspectives

Emerging Zn–X (X = O 2 , S, Se, Te, I 2 , Br 2 ) batteries present promising opportunities for advancing high-performance zinc-based batteries, owing to their remarkable theoretical capacity, environmental friendliness, and low cost. Despite notable research advancements, though, fully unlocking their immense potential remains challenging, as doing so requires a favorable synergy between electrode materials, electrolytes, and the corresponding reaction mechanisms. In this review, we systematically examine the reaction mechanisms across different Zn–X battery systems and highlight recent advancements in bifunctional catalysts, cathode material design, electrolyte innovations, and interface engineering. Finally, we provide forward-looking insights into the rational design of Zn–X batteries, with the vision of guiding their evolution toward high-performance, sustainable, and large-scale energy storage technologies that can underpin a carbon-neutral future. • This review highlights the reaction fundamentals and challenges of Zn–X batteries. • Recent advancements in bifunctional catalysts for Zn–air batteries are reviewed. • Key progress in cathode and electrolyte design for Zn–X batteries is summarized. • Future design guidelines and directions for Zn–X batteries are discussed.