Toward Dendrite-Free Deposition in Zinc-Based Flow Batteries: Status and Prospects

Safe and low-cost zinc-based flow batteries offer great promise for grid-scale energy storage, which is the key to widespread adoption of renewable energies. However, advancement in this technology considerably hindered by notorious zinc dendrite formation that results low Coulombic efficiencies, fast capacity decay, even short circuits. In review, we first discuss fundamental mechanisms identify factors affecting deposition. Then, strategies regulate deposition are clarified discussed based on electrode, electrolyte, membrane. The underlying mechanisms, advantages, shortcomings each strategy elaborated. Finally, remaining challenges perspectives presented. review may provide promising directions development dendrite-free batteries.