A Decade-Long Odyssey of “Rocking-Chair” Zinc-Ion Batteries

This work systematically summarizes the ten-year evolutionary journey of “rocking-chair” zinc-ion batteries. Addressing the persistent bottlenecks of dendrite formation and side reactions in conventional zinc-metal anodes, this article provides a deep deconstruction of core physicochemical mechanisms, including intercalation, conversion, coordination, and H⁺/Zn²⁺ co-insertion in non-metallic anodes. By reviewing the research landscape of transition metal dichalcogenides, oxides, organics, and bismuth-based materials, the authors propose “five-dimensional design criteria” for high-performance anodes, aiming to provide a clear roadmap for the development of next-generation safe and long-life aqueous energy storage systems.

January 2026