Toward ultra-stable zinc anodes: A biomass-derived additive for regulating the zinc metal interface and free water activity in aqueous Zn–iodine batteries

Key Points

• Improved stability of zinc anodes results from the use of a biomass-derived additive, enhancing the metal interface and reducing free water activity.
• Key evidence shows that the biomass-derived additive significantly regulates free water activity, leading to more durable zinc anodes.
• Analysis of the zinc metal interface indicates that managing free water is essential for boosting performance in aqueous Zn–iodine batteries.
• This work supports the use of biomass-derived materials for optimizing energy storage solutions, indicating further exploration is warranted.