Advanced polymer-based electrolytes in zinc–air batteries

Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) are expected to be some of the most promising power sources for wearable and portable electronic devices and have received widespread research interest. As an ion conductor connecting anodes and cathodes, the electrolyte is critical for the overall performance of ZABs (e.g., energy density, rechargeability, and operating voltage). Compared with liquid electrolytes, polymer-based electrolytes have superior characteristics for ZABs, such as negligible electrolyte leakage, three-phase interface stabilization, and dendrite suppression. In this perspective, we focus on recent progress in polymer-based electrolytes for ZABs. After a brief introduction to ZABs and electrolytes, we emphasize the development of polymer-based electrolytes in terms of their intrinsic properties and interfacial chemistry. Finally, challenges and viable strategies are proposed for polymer-based electrolytes in ZABs. We hope that this work will provide useful guidance to spur the development of high-performance ZABs based on advanced polymer-based electrolytes. [Display omitted] •Recent progress on polymer-based electrolytes in zinc-air batteries is discussed in this work.•Typical design strategies for polymer-based electrolytes are illustrated in terms of the intrinsic property and interfacial chemistry.•Current challenges and future perspectives of polymer-based electrolytes in zinc-air batteries are proposed.