Progress in cathode materials for rechargeable Zinc-Ion batteries: from inorganic and organic systems to hybrid frameworks and biomass-derived innovations

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained significant attention as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems owing to their low cost, environmental friendliness, and inherent safety, and have become a key focus of both academic research and industrial development strategies. However, significant challenges must be resolved, such as suboptimal charge kinetics, inadequate electrode structural stability, and complicated and costly manufacturing methods, prior to achieving meaningful advancements. Building on this foundation, this review offers a comprehensive overview of electrode materials, beginning with the fundamental factors that influence their electrochemical performance, such as electronic conductivity, ion diffusion pathways, structural stability, redox activity, and surface/interface characteristics. A clear understanding of these parameters is essential for guiding the rational design and optimization of high-performance electrodes for ZIBs. Secondly, we critically assess the current progress, identify persistent limitations, and explore potential strategies to overcome the challenges in achieving long-term cycling stability and fast reaction kinetics. Detailed analyses of structural engineering approaches, electrochemical behavior, and zinc-ion storage mechanisms across diverse material systems are presented to provide deep insights into the design principles driving next-generation AZB development. Finally, we also included a comprehensive outlook on the future development of ZIBs by identifying critical challenges and promising opportunities to drive their rapid progress and extensive practical deployment in the field.