Recent progress in carbon/lithium metal composite anode for safe lithium metal batteries

Owing to their very high theoretical capacity, lithium (Li) metal anodes regain widespread attentions for their promising applications for next-generation high-energy-density Li batteries (e.g., lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium-oxygen batteries, solid-state lithium metal batteries). However, the inherent bottleneck of Li metal anodes, especially the growth of Li dendrites and the related safety concerns, should be well addressed. Owing to their featured micro-/nano-porous structures and intriguing physical properties, nanocarbon materials have been applied as host materials for Li metal anodes. This review summarizes the recent progress in the development of porous nanocarbon materials for safe Li metal anodes. The perspectives regarding the challenges and future development of employing micro-/nano-porous carbon materials in Li metal anodes are also included.