Atomic Layer Deposition of High-Capacity Anodes for Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries and Beyond

Electrification has great impacts on our modern society. To electrify future transportation, state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are still not sufficient in multiple aspects including cost, energy density, lifespan, and safety. To this end, next-generation high-energy LIBs and beyond are highly regarded. In this regard, high-capacity anodes are undergoing intensive investigation, such as silicon, SnO2, and lithium metal. However, such anode materials are commonly experiencing large volume changes and related issues, which are reflected on mechanical degradation, capacity fading, low efficiency, and unsatisfactory lifetime. To address these challenges, many technical strategies have been investigated. In the past decade, atomic layer deposition (ALD) has emerged as a new promising technique enabling atomic-scale surface modification and nanoscale design of high-capacity anodes for high performance. In this review, recent ALD studies on developing high-capacity anodes for LIBs and beyond are thoroughly summarized. In addition, ALD strategies and their effectiveness in pursing high-energy LIBs and beyond are discussed. Particularly, we highlighted the latest advances of ALD for addressing the notorious issues associated with Li metal anodes. It is expected that this work will promote the applications of ALD in new battery systems.

Automated summary

Electrification has significant impacts on modern society, but state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries are not sufficient for future transportation. High-capacity anodes like silicon, SnO2, and lithium metal are under investigation but face challenges such as volume changes. Strategies like atomic layer deposition (ALD) are being explored to address these issues.