Cellulosic Composites in Lithium Metal Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) offer high energy density but face challenges like dendrite growth, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and safety concerns.
• Cellulose, a sustainable biomass polymer, presents unique properties like mechanical robustness, flexibility, and tunable structures beneficial for energy storage applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifunctional roles and mechanisms of cellulose-based composites in improving the electrochemical and safety performance of LMBs.
• To highlight various cellulose composites and their applications in electrolytes, separators, anode hosts, and interface engineering for LMBs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on cellulose-based materials for LMBs.
• Analysis of cellulose's structural and chemical properties influencing ion transport and lithium deposition.
• Examination of cellulose composites' impact on mechanical strength, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity.

Main Results:

• Cellulose's polar groups and integrated structures homogenize Li+ flux, guide uniform lithium deposition, and suppress dendrites.
• Cellulose-based matrices enhance the mechanical strength, thermal stability, flame retardancy, and ionic conductivity of electrolytes and separators.
• Seven types of functional cellulose composites demonstrate efficacy in various LMB components.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose-based composites are effective in addressing critical bottlenecks in LMBs, leading to improved electrochemical performance and safety.
• Future development directions include precise molecular modification, biomimetic ion transport, and scalable green fabrication for advanced LMBs.