Surface-Functionalized Separator for Stable and Reliable Lithium Metal Batteries: A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Metallic lithium anodes are promising for next-generation batteries due to their high energy density and low potential.
• However, issues like uneven lithium deposition and low Coulombic efficiency limit their practical application.
• Surface functionalization of polymer separators is an emerging strategy to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize separator-coating materials for functionalized separators.
• To provide guidelines for fabricating separators compatible with lithium metal anodes.
• To outline research trends and future outlook for surface-functionalized separators in post-lithium-ion batteries.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and classification of separator-coating materials.
• Analysis of research trends in surface functionalization techniques.
• Discussion of compatibility with lithium metal anodes and post-lithium-ion battery systems.

Main Results:

• Separator-coating materials are categorized into five or six distinct groups.
• The review highlights various approaches to surface functionalization for improved lithium anode performance.
• Identified trends point towards enhanced stability and efficiency in lithium metal batteries.

Conclusions:

• Surface-functionalized separators are crucial for overcoming the challenges of metallic lithium anodes.
• This review offers a comprehensive guideline for developing advanced separators.
• The findings support the advancement of high-performance, commercially viable lithium metal batteries.