How to avoid dendrite formation in metal batteries: Innovative strategies for dendrite suppression

With increasing the diversity of electronic/electric appliances and large-scale energy storage systems, high-energy-density based device technology has been in great demand. Meanwhile, for developing of high-voltage and high-capacity cathode, the use of metals including lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), or zinc (Zn) is quite impressive to replace the traditional anodes with low capacity upper limit such as graphite, silicon carbon, and hard carbon which is considered as “holy grail” strategy to explore high-energy density systems. However, these so-called metal batteries (MBs) also face many thorny issues including high anode reactivity, dendritic growth, and high safety risks. Among all these muddle, the dendrite growth is quite sever issue and has attracted much attention of many recognized materials scientist and battery researchers. The formation of dendrite increase the surface area of metal anodes, induce the rupture and reconstruction of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, which is likely to accelerate the excessive consumption of electrolyte and the formation of dead metals. Consequently, battery lose its capability and short circuit produced which causes serious safety issues. Therefore, it is badly needed to inhibit or even eliminate the formation of dendrites during the repeated charge and discharge process to find advanced and fast battery technology. In this review, we summarize the basic mechanistic theoretical models about dendrites formation and their effects on the battery performance. Moreover, we recapitulate the reported literature about dendrites concept and their solution from battery invention to its modernism for smart electric appliances and zero emission electric vehicles. Besides, perspective of interface energy/volume stress, several innovative strategies for restraining, regulating and eliminating dendrites are also part of this review. Finally, perspectives conclusions for the development of MBs about dendrite level are given for the progress of future battery science.