Gel Electrolytes for Flexible Zinc‐Air Batteries: Design, Challenges, and Perspectives

Abstract

Flexible zinc‐air batteries (FZABs) have emerged as promising candidates for next‐generation flexible electronics and large‐scale energy storage. However, dendrite growth, interfacial side reactions, and electrolyte leakage severely limit their cycle life and energy density. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in advanced gel electrolytes for FZABs. We first establish a comprehensive classification framework and horizontal comparison of aqueous, ionic liquid, and organic gel electrolyte systems. The fundamental mechanisms of zinc dendrite growth, interfacial failure, and unique challenges under flexible conditions are thoroughly analyzed. Focusing on dendrite suppression and ultrathin design, we elaborate four core strategies: regulating ion transport for uniform deposition, enhancing mechanical/interfacial stability, optimizing solvation structures to suppress side reactions, and innovating in macroscopic architectures for functional integration. The inherent trade‐offs between ionic conductivity, mechanical robustness, and energy density are critically evaluated. Finally, future directions in multifunctional integration, advanced in‐situ characterization, and scalable manufacturing are discussed, providing theoretical guidance for developing high‐performance, safe, flexible energy storage devices.