Organic-inorganic hybrids toward high energy-density and long-term stable zinc-ion batteries

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have garnered growing attention as a safe, cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to lithium-ion systems, yet their practical application is hindered by limited energy density, sluggish ion kinetics and poor cycling stability. Organic–inorganic hybrid electrodes, which integrate the structural robustness and redox activity of inorganic frameworks with the tunability and multi-electron redox potential of organic moieties, have emerged as a transformative strategy to overcome these challenges. This review presents a comprehensive and forward-looking summary of recent advances in hybrid electrode design for high performance ZIBs, including vanadium-based, manganese-based, MXene-based and graphene-based systems. We emphasize molecular-level design principles, synergistic charge-storage mechanisms, and interface engineering strategies that collectively enable remarkable improvements in specific capacity, rate capability and long-term durability. In addition to analyzing the intrinsic advantages of hybridization, key bottlenecks such as electrode dissolution, interfacial instability and limited scalability are critically discussed. Finally, we outline promising future directions in molecular engineering, multifunctional composites and sustainable processing. This review aims to inspire the rational design of next-generation ZIBs that combine high energy density, long-term stability and scalable manufacturability for broad energy storage applications.