The Role of Interphase Engineering for the Development of Stable Anode-Free Batteries

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Anode-free batteries (AFBs) offer higher energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
• AFBs utilize a bare current collector (CC) as the negative electrode, simplifying design and potentially lowering costs.
• Key challenges include low Coulombic efficiency (CE), lithium dendrite growth, and capacity fade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review surface engineering techniques for current collectors in AFBs.
• To highlight methods that promote uniform lithium deposition and mitigate dendrite formation.
• To bridge materials science and electrochemical engineering for next-generation AFBs.

Main Methods:

• Overview of surface engineering strategies for current collectors.
• Critical assessment of inorganic, polymeric, and carbon-based coatings.
• Analysis of mechanistic understanding of surface modifications and their impact on interfacial chemistry.

Main Results:

• Engineered surface modifications are crucial for uniform lithium deposition.
• Specific coatings can reduce nucleation overpotentials and curb dendrite formation.
• Optimized interfaces enhance electrochemical stability and prolong cycle life.

Conclusions:

• Surface engineering of current collectors is a vital approach to overcome AFB limitations.
• Advanced coatings enable homogeneous lithium plating and improve battery performance.
• This review provides guidance for developing high-performance, next-generation anode-free batteries.