Electrolyte chemistry for lithium metal batteries

Li metal batteries (LMBs) are considered as the next-generation energy storage systems because of their high energy density. However, due to the high reactivity of Li metal with the electrolyte, the unwanted safety concerns inhibit the practical application of LMBs. To overcome these drawbacks, exploring suitable electrolytes is considered to be urgent. Great effort has been made to modify electrolytes to achieve the stability of LMBs. In this review, different kinds of LMBs are firstly introduced. Then, the regulation of electrode—electrolyte interphase is discussed. Next, recent advances on the functional electrolytes for LMBs are overviewed, including fireproof electrolytes, extreme-temperature electrolytes and high-voltage electrolytes. Finally, the perspective on the development of future electrolytes is provided.