Abstract: Aqueous Zinc-ion batteries (AZIB) are widely regarded as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to their high safety, low cost, and excellent performance, which have garnered significant attention from researchers. The development of cathode materials remains a crucial focus in advancing AZIB technology. Layered materials, especially two-dimensional (2D) materials, with their tunable and expandable interlayer spacing, open structure, and abundant active sites, have emerged as promising host materials for Zn²⁺ intercalation and extraction. However, the structure degradation of electrode materials, poor conductivity, and limited interlayer spacing remain significant challenges that need urgent attention, necessitating advanced material modification strategies. This paper summarizes the strategies and properties of layered materials as cathode materials of AZIB, providing an overview of their development in recent years. It introduces the charge and discharge mechanisms, highlights key characterization tools essential for research, and discusses various strategies to enhance the performance of cathode materials, including defect engineering, phase engineering, interlayer design, and composite engineering. Finally, this review presents perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for advancing AZIB based on layered materials.

Key words: Zinc-ion batteries, Layered cathode materials, Structural strategies, Charge storage mechanisms, Materials engineering