Inhibiting Lithium Dendrites in Lithium Metal Batteries

Characterized by high theoretical specific capacity (3860mAh/g) and the lowest reduction potential (-3.04 V), the lithium metal anode has received much attention in the continuous pursuit of highperformance batteries. However, the problems of uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth and the high chemical reactivity of lithium, which result in low coulombic efficiency and short cycle life of lithium metal batteries, have remained unsolved for decades. Even worse, the presence of lithium dendrites poses serious risks to battery safety. In recent years, much work has been conducted on the issue of lithium dendrites. In this review, we summarize the latest basic strategies for solving the lithium dendrite problem, including the choice of liquid electrolytes, the application of solid/gel electrolytes, modification on separator, and tailored surface and scaffold for lithium metal anode. In addition, challenges and prospects of lithium metal anodes are discussed.