Aqueous Zinc‐Iodine Batteries: From Electrochemistry to Energy Storage Mechanism

Abstract

As one of the most appealing energy storage technologies, aqueous zinc‐iodine batteries still suffer severe problems such as low energy density, slow iodine conversion kinetics, and polyiodide shuttle. This review summarizes the recent development of Zn─I₂ batteries with a focus on the electrochemistry of iodine conversion and the underlying working mechanism. Starting from the fundamentals of Zn─I₂ batteries, the electrochemistry of iodine conversion and zinc anode, as well as the scientific problems existing in Zn─I₂ batteries are introduced. The concrete strategies dealing with cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator challenges confronting Zn─I₂ batteries are elaborated as well. To deepen the understanding of the electrochemistry of Zn─I₂ batteries, the recent important findings of the underlying working mechanism of different Zn─I₂ batteries are summarized in detail. Finally, some guidelines and directions for Zn─I₂ batteries are also provided. This review is expected to deepen the understanding of Zn─I₂ battery electrochemistry and promote their practical applications in the future.