Zinc–bromine batteries (ZBBs) are promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage owing to their high energy density and inherent safety, but their practical deployment is impeded by zinc dendrite formation and bromine shuttle effects. This review introduces a unified electrolyte design framework to reconcile the contrasting requirements of zinc anodes and bromine cathodes. By integrating functional component synergy, gradient structural design and interfacial compatibility regulation, the strategy addresses both anode-related and cathode-related challenges. Advanced approaches─including biphasic electrolytes, gradient hydrogels, and ionic liquid hybrids─enable spatially decoupled optimization of electrode environments while maintaining mutual compatibility. These advances offer a transformative roadmap for the development of high-performance, durable aqueous batteries, bridging fundamental understanding with scalable energy storage applications.
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