Design strategies and challenges of next generation aqueous Zn-organic batteries

Aqueous Zn-organic batteries (AZOBs) stand out in the family of aqueous Zn devices due to high theoretical capacity, tunable structures, sustainable resources, and low cost of organic hosts. However, the development of advanced AZOBs faces numerous issues and challenges, including, poor conductivity, low actual capacity, serve molecular dissolution, and unsatisfying energy density. Herein, we summarize an overview of various organic materials as the inserted ion hosts. In addition to categorizing organic compounds based on their functional groups, this report also covers the latest developments in organic cathodes and their energy storage mechanisms. Furthermore, strategies for advanced Zn-organic devices are suggested with regard to structural design and important battery metrics. Moreover, challenges and perspectives are finally discussed from the point of view of full batteries. We hope this review can provide a valuable evaluation of commercial Zn-organic batteries and spur new insights toward a greener energy world.