Functionalization of zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) is crucial for enhancing performance, stability, and safety. This review discusses the design and application of functionalized zinc anodes, categorizing materials into organic, inorganic, and composite types. The protective mechanisms of these materials include ion confinement, crystal orientation optimization, uniform ion flux, increased nucleation sites, electrostatic shielding, physical isolation, and desolvation effects. These strategies effectively suppress dendrite growth and side reactions, which are major challenges in AZIBs. Inorganic materials such as carbon fibers, graphene, and activated carbon improve zinc ion mobility and reduce dendrite formation. Metallic materials like Al, In, and Ga-In alloys provide nucleation sites and enhance electrochemical stability. Nonmetallic inorganic materials, including oxides like Al₂O₃ and SiO₂, and transition metal oxides such as TiO₂ and Nb₂O₅, offer physical barriers and improve wettability. These materials collectively enhance the cycle stability and overall performance of AZIBs. Future research should focus on optimizing material structures, improving functionalization techniques, and exploring new materials to achieve more efficient and durable AZIBs.Functionalization of zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) is crucial for enhancing performance, stability, and safety. This review discusses the design and application of functionalized zinc anodes, categorizing materials into organic, inorganic, and composite types. The protective mechanisms of these materials include ion confinement, crystal orientation optimization, uniform ion flux, increased nucleation sites, electrostatic shielding, physical isolation, and desolvation effects. These strategies effectively suppress dendrite growth and side reactions, which are major challenges in AZIBs. Inorganic materials such as carbon fibers, graphene, and activated carbon improve zinc ion mobility and reduce dendrite formation. Metallic materials like Al, In, and Ga-In alloys provide nucleation sites and enhance electrochemical stability. Nonmetallic inorganic materials, including oxides like Al₂O₃ and SiO₂, and transition metal oxides such as TiO₂ and Nb₂O₅, offer physical barriers and improve wettability. These materials collectively enhance the cycle stability and overall performance of AZIBs. Future research should focus on optimizing material structures, improving functionalization techniques, and exploring new materials to achieve more efficient and durable AZIBs.