Controlling Li Ion Flux through Materials Innovation for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes

Abstract

Lithium (Li) metal with high theoretical capacity and the lowest electrochemical potential has been proposed as the ideal anode for high-energy-density rechargeable battery systems. However, the practical commercialization of Li metal anodes is precluded by a short lifespan and safety problems caused by their intrinsically high reductivity, infinite volume change, and uncontrollable dendrite growth during deposition and dissolution processes. Plenty of strategies have been introduced to solve the above-mentioned problems. Among these, controlling Li + flux plays a vital role to directly influence the plating and stripping process. In this work, the fundamental effect of Li + flux distribution on Li nucleation and early dendrite growth is discussed. Then, recent strategies of controlling Li + flux to suppress dendrite formation and growth through materials design are summarized, including homogenizing Li + flux, localizing Li + flux, and guiding gradient Li + distribution. Finally, underexplored materials are proposed and explored to control Li + flux and further directions for dendrite-free Li anodes. It is expected that this progress report will help to deepen the understanding of Li + flow tuning and morphology control of Li anodes and eventually facilitate the practical application of Li metal batteries.

Eliminating Dendrites through Dynamically Engineering the Forces Applied during Li Deposition for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes

“…Comparing with the strategies based on suppression and regulation, [59][60][61] engineering the force would be the most promising approach to essentially eliminating dendrite formation. As a significant form of energy, force is one of the most essential factors running through all the process of Li deposition.…”

Nano-SiO2 coating enabled uniform Na stripping/plating for dendrite-free and long-life sodium metal batteries

“…2b), which promotes electrolyte diffusion and ion migration in nano-channel pores. [41][42][43][44][45] Due to the high viscosity of Na, the nano-SiO 2 particles are tightly attached to the metal surface and will not fall off when the Na@SiO 2 electrode is inverted with tweezers (insets in Fig. 2b).…”

Interface between Lithium Metal and Garnet Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Perspective

“…However, the uncontrollable dendrite growth of LM during cycling can give rise to serious security risks, impeding its successful use in LIBs. [1] Replacing the OEs with solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) and naturally building all-solid-state Li metal batteries (ASSLMBs) are promising to completely address the fire and dendrite issues of LM-based batteries because SSEs possess nonflammability and high mechanical strength. [2] In this regard, ASSLMBs are on the cusp of being the most appealing nextgeneration energy storage systems.…”

“…To further boost the energy density, lithium metal (LM) has been widely deemed as an ultimate anode candidate due to its highest theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh/g, more than 10 times of the current commercial carbon anodes) and lowest electrochemical potential (−3.04 V versus standard hydrogen electrode). However, the uncontrollable dendrite growth of LM during cycling can give rise to serious security risks, impeding its successful use in LIBs . Replacing the OEs with solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) and naturally building all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries (ASSLMBs) are promising to completely address the fire and dendrite issues of LM‐based batteries because SSEs possess non‐flammability and high mechanical strength .…”