This figure illustrates the working mechanisms of electrolyte additives in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Focusing on the zinc anode, it highlights key challenges including dendrite formation, side reactions, and corrosion. Additives are classified into four categories: organic, inorganic, ionic liquids, and composites. These additives function through distinct yet synergistic pathways—modulating Zn²+ solvation structure, stabilizing the electrode–electrolyte interface, promoting uniform Zn deposition, and suppressing parasitic reactions. Collectively, these effects enhance cycling stability, Coulombic efficiency, and operational safety, providing strategic guidance for the development of high-performance AZIBs.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as a promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their superior safety, low cost, and high volumetric capacity, particularly in the context of large-scale energy storage. Despite these advantages, ZIBs still face several practical challenges, such as zinc dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and zinc anode corrosion, which significantly impact their Coulombic efficiency, reversibility, and cycle life, thereby limiting their widespread adoption. In recent years, researchers have proposed various electrolyte additives to address these issues. This article systematically reviews the application of electrolyte additives in AZIBs, focusing on how different types of additives can effectively mitigate these challenges by modulating the Zn^{2 +} solvation structure, forming protective layers at the anode–electrolyte interface, balancing Zn^{2 +} distribution, and promoting uniform zinc deposition. Finally, potential research directions and future prospects for improving and guiding the development of electrolyte additives for AZIBs are discussed.