Engineering Triple-Phase Interfaces around the Anode toward Practical Alkali Metal-Air Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Alkali metal-air batteries (AMABs) offer high energy density but face challenges in cycle stability.
• Previous research focused on air cathode improvements, neglecting the anode's triple-phase interface.
• Anode stability is critical due to corrosive species and uncontrolled reactions in AMABs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a perspective on anode interface engineering for durable AMABs.
• To review strategies for stabilizing the anode triple-phase interface in AMABs.
• To highlight challenges and future directions for anode engineering in AMABs.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on anode stabilization strategies for AMABs.
• Analysis of electrolyte formulation, anode fabrication, and separator design for anti-corrosion.
• Focus on Li-air batteries as a representative example.

Main Results:

• Anode interface engineering is crucial for AMAB cycle stability.
• Strategies include protective interphases, advanced anode materials, and functional separators.
• Effective anode stabilization addresses dendrite growth, gas evolution, and corrosion.

Conclusions:

• Anode interface engineering is key to overcoming AMAB limitations.
• Further research in materials system engineering is needed for practical AMAB applications.
• Stabilizing the anode triple-phase interface is essential for durable and high-performance AMABs.