Highly textured zinc deposition : a pathway to long-life rechargeable aqueous batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable aqueous Zn batteries (RAZBs) offer compelling advantages for large-scale energy storage, including intrinsic safety, low cost, and environmental sustainability. Yet, their widespread deployment is hindered by uncontrolled dendrite growth and parasitic side reactions associated with Zn electrodes. Manipulating directional Zn deposition has emerged as one of the most promising strategies to address these challenges. In this perspective, we critically examine recent advances in controlling the orientation of Zn deposition and highlight key mechanisms underpinning directional growth. More importantly, we outline future research priorities to achieve highly textured Zn depostion: unraveling the micromechanisms of oriented deposition, establishing unified evaluation standards for texture, expanding the focus beyond the conventional Zn(002) plane to alternative crystallographic textures, designing deposition strategies resilient to diverse operating conditions, correlating orientation control with full-cell electrochemical performance, and developing scalable, application-driven deposition techniques. By integrating theoretical insights with practical considerations, this article aims to chart a path toward high-performance, commercially viable RAZBs for next-generation energy storage. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]