Review of Nanoarrays in Lithium Metal Anodes

The energy density of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is much higher than that of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It is considered an effective development for the next generation of lithium batteries. However, the development of LMBs has been limited by the destructive lithium dendrites formed during cycling and the unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Current collectors with nanoarrays, which have been extensively studied in recent years, are effective in improving the cycling stability of LMBs. Here we investigated three mechanisms of action based on different nanoarrays as structural materials for lithium metal anodes (LMAs). First, the common substrates used in the present study are summarized and the advantages and disadvantages of different substrates are elucidated. Second, we classify the different structures of current collector array structures and their mechanisms of action on the behavior of lithium metal deposition. Finally, we review commonly used lithiophilic materials for constructing nanoarrays and analyze the underlying mechanisms by which they provide lithiophilicity. The above three parts systematically summarize the application progress of current collectors with nanoarrays in lithium metal batteries, providing direction and guidance for designing more effective current collectors in the future.