Lithium Plating and Stripping: Toward Anode‐Free Solid‐State Batteries

Abstract

Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely used in portable electronic devices, the transportation sector, and grid storage. However, LIB anodes are restricted to carbon‐based materials limiting their energy density. Recently, the use of metallic Li as the anode in Li‐metal (LMBs) and solid‐state (LMSSBs) batteries has gained attention due to the high energy densities it can provide. Herein, the research progress in the field to derive a broad picture of the technologies relying on Li metal as the anode is critically assessed. It is essential to understand the Li plating and stripping processes in terms of fundamental electrochemical and physical mechanisms to address the challenges of employing metallic Li. Anode‐free Li‐metal batteries (AFLMBs) and anode‐free solid‐state batteries (AFSSBs) are the most attractive systems discussed in this review. AFLMBs are highly studied, but safety concerns due to Li dendrite growth and side reactions between plated Li metal and liquid electrolyte are some key challenges yet to be resolved. AFSSBs are the ultimate goal in this field, as utilizing a solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) can prevent dendrites at moderate charging rates and realize the potential of the anode‐free battery. However, the general problems with the use of SSEs remain and require substantial research efforts.

Environmental Aspects and Recycling of Solid-State Batteries: A Comprehensive Review

“…Moreover, the operational durability of SSBs significantly surpasses that of traditional LIBs. This durability stems from the solid electrolytes' resistance to degradation mechanisms, such as electrolyte evaporation and dendrite formation, which plague LIBs [60,61]. Consequently, the extended lifespan of SSBs reduces the frequency of battery replacement, diminishing the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of batteries [61].…”

“…This durability stems from the solid electrolytes' resistance to degradation mechanisms, such as electrolyte evaporation and dendrite formation, which plague LIBs [60,61]. Consequently, the extended lifespan of SSBs reduces the frequency of battery replacement, diminishing the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of batteries [61]. This aspect is particularly relevant in applications with high energy demands and long operational life expectancies, such as electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems, where the longevity of SSBs can lead to a notable decrease in the lifecycle carbon footprint [60].…”

Optimizing Current Collector Interfaces for Efficient “Anode‐Free” Lithium Metal Batteries

“…Thanks to these qualities, beyond-LIB technologies based on Li-metal (Li-metal batteries, or LMBs), would represent a considerable enhancement to the energy density of Li-based batteries. [4,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Despite the theoretical advantages of LMBs, assembling batteries containing foils of metallic Li has many practical disadvantages. [16] Li-metal is expensive and harmful (fire hazard), its shipment is problematic, it needs handling in a moisture-free atmosphere and its production is not environmentally friendly.…”