Review—Revisiting the Electroplating Process for Zn‐Metal Anodes: New Application of Traditional Electroplating Additive in ZIBs

Abstract Because of its safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have aroused the wide interest of researchers. In particular, the use of Z foil as an anode of ZIBs has a higher theoretical capacity and simplifies the battery manufacturing process. However, serious problems occur at the electrode/electrolyte interface, such as dendrite growth and side reactions, making the coulombic efficiency and lifetime of Zn-metal electrodes far from satisfactory. This has aroused interest in researchers seeking various additives to solve those above problems. For the rapid development of electrolyte additives in this new field, it is necessary to provide theoretical support. The electroplating of metal zinc has been developed for nearly two centuries. A rich theoretical basis and various efficient electroplating additives have been developed to improve the structure and properties. Furthermore, the essence of conventional electroplating and Zn plating for ZIBs is parallel. This review starts from the basic theory of electroplating and relates the application of electroplating additives in reversible ZIBs. The basic and new understanding of traditional electroplating additives applied to high-performance ZIBs is summarized, providing guidance for accurate evaluation and analysis of high-efficiency ZIBs electrolyte additives in the near future