Recent Advances in Polymer Interlayers for Zinc Metal Anode Protection-A Mini-Review

Zn metal anode faces numerous challenges that severely limit its practical application. Polymer interlayer is one of the mostly used strategies to enhance the Zn anode performance. The chemical structure, physical properties, as well as the morphology of these polymer interlayers significantly influenced on the effectiveness of zinc anode protection. Considering the complexity of the polymer and their composite materials used in this field, it is highly needed to summarize the current progresses and strategies in polymer interlayers of zinc anodes. This paper reviews recent advances in the design of polymer interlayers that stabilize the Zn anode from different perspectives, including hydrogel interlayer, porous interlayer, conductive interlayer and composite polymer interlayers. Finally, this review outlines possible future developments and challenges in this field towards commercialization of practical zinc anode.