Engineering and characterization of interphases for lithium metal anodes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Battery Technology

Background:

• Lithium metal anodes (LMA) offer high energy density but suffer from dendrite formation and low coulombic efficiency.
• A stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is critical for enabling practical lithium metal battery applications.
• The complex nature of SEI hinders a full understanding of its properties and formation mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of SEI engineering strategies for lithium metal anodes.
• To discuss advanced characterization techniques for investigating SEI formation.
• To highlight recent findings and future directions in SEI research for next-generation batteries.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing SEI engineering approaches: electrolyte modification, additive application, and artificial SEI construction.
• Discussing advanced characterization techniques: in situ visualization, inactive lithium quantification, and X-ray, neutron, and electron-based methods.
• Reviewing recent findings on SEI properties and their impact on Li+ transport and deposition.

Main Results:

• Various SEI engineering strategies can improve Li+ transport and suppress dendrite growth.
• Advanced characterization techniques provide deeper insights into SEI formation mechanisms.
• Understanding SEI properties is essential for optimizing lithium metal anode performance.

Conclusions:

• Effective SEI engineering is vital for the practical application of lithium metal anodes.
• Continued development and application of advanced characterization techniques will accelerate SEI research.
• This perspective offers valuable insights for the battery research community.