Conventional aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) face significant challenges due to the Zn metal anode such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, passivation, and low utilization of Zn metal. Zn metal-free ZIBs (ZF-ZIBs) present a promising alternative, garnering increasing research attention to address these fundamental issues. However, reviews on this emerging field remain scarce, resulting in a limited understanding of ZF-ZIBs and a lack of robust methods for developing high-performance anode materials. This Perspective provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and requirements of ZF-ZIBs. It summarizes recent advancements in Zn metal-free anode materials based on various Zn²⁺ storage mechanisms, including intercalation, conversion, and coordination. Finally, it offers personal perspectives for the further development of high-performance Zn metal-free anode materials.

中文翻译：

---

用于高性能水系锌离子电池的无锌金属负极材料：最新进展、机制、挑战和前景


由于锌金属负极的存在，传统的水性锌离子电池 （ZIB） 面临着重大挑战，例如枝晶形成、析氢、腐蚀、钝化和锌金属的低利用率。无锌金属 ZIB （ZF-ZIB） 提供了一种很有前途的替代方案，为解决这些基本问题引起了越来越多的研究关注。然而，关于这一新兴领域的评论仍然很少，导致对 ZF-ZIB 的了解有限，并且缺乏开发高性能负极材料的稳健方法。本 Perspective 全面介绍了 ZF-ZIB 的基本原理和要求。它总结了基于各种 Zn²⁺ 存储机制（包括插层、转换和配位）的无锌金属负极材料的最新进展。最后，它为进一步开发高性能无锌负极材料提供了个人观点。