Advances in carbon materials for stable lithium metal batteries

Lithium (Li) metal is a promising anode material for next-generation high-energy-density batteries. However, the plating/stripping of Li metal is often accompanied by the formation of dendrites, which produce a short lifespan and safety hazards. To date, various approaches have been developed to suppress the dendrite growth and regulate the uniformity of the solid electrolyte interphase. Carbon materials that are lightweight, highly conductive, porous, and chemically and physically stable have been used for stabilizing the Li metal. This review summarizes the advances in carbon materials used as hosts, electrolyte additives, and coating layers in stabilizing Li metal batteries (LMBs). The advantages and limitations of various carbon materials are discussed in terms of their structural and chemical properties. Prospects for the development of carbon materials for improving LMBs are considered.