Currently, high-energy rechargeable batteries are being intensively pursued to meet the increasing energy requirements of our modern life and industrial society. Alkali metals are considered some of the most promising anodes for nextgeneration high-energy batteries because of their superior theoretical specific capacities and low reduction potentials. Here, we provide an overview of the recent development of alkali metal anodes. First, we highlight that their high reactivity, unstable solid electrolyte interphase, dendrite formation, and huge volume change bring great challenges for the safety and lifespan of alkalimetal-based batteries. Then, we summarize various advanced strategiesincluding the micro-and/or nanostructuring of alkali metals, introduction of stable hosts, structural modification of current collectors, construction of artificial anode-electrolyte interfaces, separator modification, and electrolyte optimization-to address these challenges. Lastly, we present the remaining challenges and possible research directions for further developments.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.