Anode corrosion in aqueous Zn metal batteries

Given their low cost and intrinsic safety, aqueous Zn metal batteries (AZMBs) are drawing increasing attention in the field of smart grids and large-scale energy storage. However, the Zn metal anode in aqueous electrolyte suffers from a critical issue, corrosion, which must be fully addressed before the practical implementation of AZMBs. In this perspective, the mechanisms of aqueous Zn metal anode corrosion in both alkaline and neutral electrolytes are compared and discussed. The methods for studying the corrosion processes and the strategies for Zn corrosion protection in AZMBs are also summarized. Finally, some expectations about potential research directions for making corrosion-resistant AZMBs a commercial reality are provided. [Display omitted] •The development of aqueous Zn batteries, from the first voltaic pile to very recent sustainable Zn batteries, is summarized.•The corrosion mechanisms of aqueous Zn anodes in both alkaline and neutral electrolytes are discussed.•Potential future research directions are proposed for next-generation aqueous Zn anode materials.