Building Better Li Metal Anodes in Liquid Electrolyte: Challenges and Progress

Li metal has been widely recognized as a promising anode candidate for high-energy-density batteries. However, the inherent limitations of Li metal, that is, the low Coulombic efficiency and dendrite issues, make it still far from practical applications. In short, the low Coulombic efficiency shortens the cycle life of Li metal batteries, while the dendrite issue raises safety concerns. Thanks to the great efforts of the research community, prolific fundamental understanding as well as approaches for mitigating Li metal anode safety have been extensively explored. In this Review, Li electrochemical deposition behaviors have been systematically summarized, and recent progress in electrode design and electrolyte system optimization is reviewed. Finally, we discuss the future directions, opportunities, and challenges of Li metal anodes.

Automated summary

Li metal is considered a promising anode candidate for high-energy-density batteries, but its low Coulombic efficiency and dendrite issues have hindered practical applications. Efforts have been made to mitigate safety concerns associated with Li metal anodes through fundamental understanding and approaches such as electrode design and electrolyte system optimization. Future directions, opportunities, and challenges for Li metal anodes have been discussed.