The Rise of Chalcogens for High-energy Zinc Batteries

Aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) are regarded as strong contenders for next-generation energy storage, thanks to the abundance and high theoretical capacity of zinc metal. However, conventional cathode materials are mainly based on ion-insertion electrochemistry, which can only deliver limited capacity. The conversion-type aqueous zinc‖chalcogen batteries combine the strengths of chalcogen cathodes (S, Se, Te, and interchalcogens) with zinc anodes to significantly boost capacity and energy output. While research on zinc‖chalcogen batteries has been growing, it is still in its early stages. The selection and regulation of cathode material systems need more comprehensive and systematic approaches, and deeper investigation into the mechanisms is required. In this overview, we provide a detailed account of the recent progress in zinc‖chalcogen batteries and offer comprehensive guidelines for future research. We summarize the fundamental conversion mechanisms of chalcogens in AZBs and explore various optimization strategies to improve the performance of chalcogen-based batteries. These strategies include electrode engineering, electrolyte engineering, decoupling charge carriers, and altering the redox pathways of chalcogens. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects in developing chalcogen-based AZBs.