Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are one of the promising energy storage systems, which consist of electrode materials, electrolyte, and separator. The first two have been significantly received ample development, while the prominent role of the separators in manipulating the stability of the electrode has not attracted sufficient attention. In this work, a separator (UiO-66-GF) modified by Zr-based metal organic framework for robust AZIBs is proposed. UiO-66-GF effectively enhances the transport ability of charge carriers and demonstrates preferential orientation of (002) crystal plane, which is favorable for corrosion resistance and dendrite-free zinc deposition. Consequently, Zn|UiO-66-GF-2.2|Zn cells exhibit highly reversible plating/stripping behavior with long cycle life over 1650 h at 2.0 mA cm⁻², and Zn|UiO-66-GF-2.2|MnO₂ cells show excellent long-term stability with capacity retention of 85% after 1000 cycles. The reasonable design and application of multifunctional metal organic frameworks modified separators provide useful guidance for constructing durable AZIBs.

Due to their high safety and low cost, rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (RAZIBs) have been receiving increased attention and are expected to be the next generation of energy storage systems. However, metal Zn anodes exhibit a limited-service life and inferior reversibility owing to the issues of Zn dendrites and side reactions, which severely hinder the further development of RAZIBs. Researchers have attempted to design high-performance Zn anodes by interfacial engineering, including surface modification and the addition of electrolyte additives, to stabilize Zn anodes. The purpose is to achieve uniform Zn nucleation and flat Zn deposition by regulating the deposition behavior of Zn ions, which effectively improves the cycling stability of the Zn anode. This review comprehensively summarizes the reaction mechanisms of interfacial modification for inhibiting the growth of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of side reactions. In addition, the research progress of interfacial engineering strategies for RAZIBs is summarized and classified. Finally, prospects and suggestions are provided for the design of highly reversible Zn anodes.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are recognized as promising power supplies for energy storage devices due to their high theoretical capacity, inherent safety, suitable redox potential, and environmental friendliness. However, their development is still hindered by issues such as Zn dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, passivation and cathode dissolution. The desolvation strategy has been demonstrated as a viable strategy capable of reducing direct contact between H₂O/solvent and the anode/cathode, suppressing Zn dendrite formation, reducing cathode dissolution and mitigating side reactions, thereby achieving superior battery performance. Despite tremendous progress being achieved in promoting the electrochemical performance of AZIBs via desolvation strategies, a comprehensive and systematic summary of desolation strategies to tackle the issues impeding the development of AZIBs is still lacking. This review provides a comprehensive overview detailing the research advancements in desolvation strategies pertaining to AZIBs performances, addressing the present issues and action mechanisms of desolvation strategies in AZIBs. The factors affecting desolvation are extensively discussed along with the challenges of AZIBs, and the respective desolvation strategies for the anode, electrolyte, separator and cathode of AZIBs are systemically summarized. Finally, the potential and future development directions of interface modification for AZIBs through desolvation strategies are highlighted.