AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs), as a rising star in aqueous ion batteries, are restricted by the narrow voltage window and the unsatisfactory reversibility, which are dominated by the high activity of H₂O molecules, side reaction, Zn dendrites, and structural degeneration of the cathode. Electrolyte manipulation has seen a great deal of research recently, particularly various kinds of organic molecules have been shown to achieve outstanding effects on stabilizing the Zn anode, yet the exploration of the mechanism behind the high performance has not been thorough. In an attempt to find such underlying principles, the basic reactions and the corresponding progress on the anode side of AZIBs are first assessed. Then, the roles of organic molecules in recent studies are researched, followed by a deep insight into the role of organic molecules. Finally, several designed strategies are proposed for the further exploration of high performance aqueous rechargeable ZIBs through incorporating appropriate organic molecules in the electrolytes.