Silver-carbon interlayers in anode-free solid-state lithium metal batteries: Current development, interfacial issues, and instability challenges

As an interlayer between the anode and the electrolyte of the all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs), the silver-carbon (Ag-C) nanocomposite has been reported to significantly increase the energy density and cycle rate of solid-state lithium metal batteries. Ag-C interlayers serve as mixed ionic-electronic conductor that conducts both Li+ ions and electrons and lithium storage capacity. Unfortunately, it was unclear how the Ag-C interlayer regulated lithium plating and stripping. Moreover, the structural and chemical instabilities between the interlayer and the electrolyte, within the interlayer, or beneath the interlayer on lithium substrate are likely to cause cell failure. In this review, we discuss interfacial issues and summarize recent progress in solution strategies for ASSLMBs, with a specific focus on the use of a silver-carbon (Ag-C) nanocomposite interlayer in anode-free setups. Based on the Li transport kinetics among the Ag-C interlayers, the interfacial configurations of Ag-C interlayers are classified as either exterior or internal. The review concludes with a discussion of the perspectives and future prospects, allowing for the improvement of interlayer techniques for solid-state batteries.

Automated summary

As an interlayer in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs), the silver-carbon (Ag-C) nanocomposite can significantly enhance the energy density and cycle rate. However, the regulation of lithium plating and stripping by the Ag-C interlayer and the structural and chemical instabilities between the interlayer and the electrolyte or substrate may cause cell failure. This review discusses the interfacial issues and recent progress in solution strategies, with a focus on Ag-C nanocomposite interlayer in anode-free setups, and provides future prospects for improving interlayer techniques in solid-state batteries.