Solid electrolyte interphase on anodes in rechargeable lithium batteries

Highly safe and efficient rechargeable lithium batteries have become an indispensable component of the intelligent society powering smart electronics and electric vehicles. This review summarizes the formation principle, chemical compositions, and theoretical models of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the anode in the lithium battery, involving the functions and influences of the electroactive materials. The discrepancies of the SEI on different kinds of anode materials, as well as the choice and design of the electrolytes are detailedly clarified. Furthermore, the design strategies to obtain a stable and efficient SEI are outlined and discussed. Last but not least, the challenges and perspectives of artificial SEI technology are briefly proposed for the development of high-efficiency batteries in practice.