Electrolyte Engineering toward Rational Electrode-Electrolyte Interfacial Designs for Metal Batteries.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Metal batteries (Li, Zn, Na, K, Mg) offer high theoretical capacities for next-gen energy storage.
• Dendrite growth and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on metal anodes cause short-circuiting, capacity fade, and safety issues, hindering commercialization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of philic-phobic properties of the SEI on metal electrodes.
• To discuss factors influencing SEI evolution, including electrolyte additives and artificial SEI.
• To summarize research on SEI regulation and analyze interface design's impact on battery performance in extreme environments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on SEI evolution and interface engineering.
• Analysis of electrolyte additives and artificial SEI strategies for SEI modification.
• Discussion of electrode-electrolyte interface design for lithium metal batteries and novel metal batteries.

Main Results:

• SEI philic-phobic properties are crucial for stable metal anode cycling.
• Electrolyte additives and artificial SEI are key methods for regulating SEI characteristics.
• Interface design significantly influences battery performance, especially under extreme conditions.

Conclusions:

• Further research into micro-mechanisms is needed for SEI evolution.
• Development of advanced materials and technologies is essential for enhancing battery performance.
• Optimizing electrode-electrolyte interfaces is critical for advancing metal battery technology to meet energy storage demands.