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Anode‐free rechargeable batteries (AFRBs), equipped with bare collectors at the anode, are potential electrochemical energy storage technology attributed to their simplified cell configuration, high energy density, and cost reduction. Nevertheless, issues including insufficient Coulombic efficiency as well as the formation of the dendrites restrict their practical implementation. In recent years, various strategies have been proposed to overcome the critical issues of AFRBs. Among which, interfacial properties play key roles for achieving high stable AFRBs. In this review, an overview of AFRBs is discussed in the first part. Then, the main strategies based on interfacial regulation engineering toward high‐performance AFRBs are summarized including designing of current collectors, introducing of surface coating layers, modification of electrolytes, separators engineering, cathode materials regulation, and so forth. In addition, some future perspectives for developing AFRBs are proposed. This review will create new avenues on constructing stable AFRBs for advanced energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐sulfur (Zn‐S) batteries show great potential for unlocking high energy and safety aqueous batteries. Yet, the sluggish kinetic and poor redox reversibility of the sulfur conversion reaction in aqueous solution challenge the development of Zn‐S batteries. Here, we fabricate a high‐performance Zn‐S battery using highly water‐soluble ZnI2 as an effective catalyst. In situ experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the strong interaction between I− and the ZnS nanoparticles (discharge product) leads to the atomic rearrangement of ZnS, weakening the Zn‐S bonding, and thus facilitating the electrochemical oxidation reaction of ZnS to S. The aqueous Zn‐S battery exhibited a high energy density of 742 Wh kg(sulfur)−1 at the power density of 210.8 W kg(sulfur)−1 and good cycling stability over 550 cycles. Our findings provide new insights about the iodide catalytic effect for cathode conversion reaction in Zn‐S batteries, which is conducive to promoting the future development of high‐performance aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-State Batteries: Modulating Nanoinhomogeneity at Electrode-Solid Electrolyte Interfaces for Dendrite-Proof Solid-State Batteries and Long-Life Memristors (Adv. Keywords: conductive-atomic force microscope; critical current density; lithium filament; memristor; solid-state batteries EN conductive-atomic force microscope critical current density lithium filament memristor solid-state batteries 1 1 1 04/29/21 20210428 NES 210428 In article number 2003811, Ziheng Lu, Chunlei Yang, Wenjie Li and co-workers develop a high-resolution in-situ electrochemical characterization technique to reveal the nanoscale kinetics of lithium dendrites in solid-state batteries. Conductive-atomic force microscope, critical current density, lithium filament, memristor, solid-state batteries. [Extracted from the article]