Toward maximum energy density enabled by anode-free lithium metal batteries: Recent progress and perspective

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• The demand for safe, high-energy-density storage drives interest in anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs).
• AFLMBs utilize a current collector as the anode, offering higher energy density and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional lithium metal batteries (LMBs).
• Key challenges include low Coulombic efficiency, poor cyclability, and lithium dendrite growth due to the high reactivity of lithium metal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance and challenges associated with AFLMB development.
• To comprehensively review diverse strategies for stabilizing lithium metal anodes in AFLMBs.
• To provide future perspectives for advancing AFLMB technology.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on AFLMBs.
• Analysis of strategies including current collector modification, advanced electrolytes, cathode engineering, and optimized operation protocols.
• Synthesis of findings to identify key research directions.

Main Results:

• AFLMBs present unique advantages but suffer from limited cyclability and dendrite formation.
• Various approaches are being investigated to enhance anode stability and overall battery performance.
• Stabilizing the lithium anode is crucial for overcoming current limitations.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in addressing AFLMB challenges.
• Continued research into anode stabilization is essential for practical applications.
• This review offers a comprehensive overview and future outlook for AFLMB development.