Perspectives for restraining harsh lithium dendrite growth: Towards robust lithium metal anodes

Lithium (Li) metal is regarded as a “Holy Grail” anode for next-generation high-energy-density rechargeable batteries due to its high volumetric (2046 mA h cm⁻³) and gravimetric specific capacity (3862 mA h g⁻¹) as well as the lowest reduction potential (−3.04 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode). However, undesirable dendrite growth and repeated destruction/formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Li metal anode during the long-term charging/discharging cycles have limited the practical applications of Li metal batteries. In this review, we summarize the strategies to restrain Li dendrites through electrolyte modification, multifunctional barriers, composite metallic lithium electrode, and 3D current collectors. The Li metal anode protection can be achieved by efficiently regulating the diffusion and distribution behavior of Li ions and electrons. The further exploration on rational integration of these strategies is highly expected to afford more fundamental understanding and engineering applications to practical Li metal batteries.