Smart Self-Healing Anode/Electrolyte Interphases for Stabilizing Zn Anode

The rational design of Zn anode/electrolyte interphases (AEIs) is an effective strategy for regulating the Zn²⁺ stripping/plating process, as well as suppressing the interfacial side reactions. However, the formation of defects during the cycling process is still inevitable, and the exacerbation of defects would lead to the failure of the electrode, limiting the long-term stability of the Zn anode. In recent years, self-healing AEIs (SAEIs) have received great attention in Zn anode modification, as they can self-heal and suppress the defects. This review summarizes the latest progress of SAEIs for Zn anode, including extrinsic and intrinsic SAEIs. Specifically, the design strategies and self-healing mechanisms of SAEIs, their roles in stabilizing Zn anode, as well as the research methods for self-healing performance, are discussed in detail. In addition, the challenges for the research of SAEIs are also analyzed, and prospects for the future design and research of SAEIs for Zn anode are provided. This review is expected to guide the future development of high-performance SAEIs for Zn and other metal anodes.