Mechanics-informed physical-field regulation in lithium batteries: interfacial flux, reaction pathways, and structural stability

High-energy lithium batteries are limited not only by electrode materials and electrolyte chemistry, but also by coupled transport, reaction, and mechanical instabilities at dynamic interfaces. Non-uniform ion flux, lithium dendrite growth, interfacial contact loss, heterogeneous conversion reactions, and thermal–mechanical stress are strongly affected by the physical boundary conditions imposed during fabrication and operation. This mini review therefore re-examines physical-field-assisted lithium batteries from a mechanics-informed perspective. Magnetic fields are discussed in terms of electrode/electrolyte alignment, ion-flux regulation, and spin-assisted reaction kinetics. Light fields are reviewed for photo-assisted Li–O 2 , Li–CO 2 , and Li–S batteries, with emphasis on carrier separation and reaction-pathway control. Mechanical pressure, acoustic waves, pulsed-current protocols, and thermal fields are further analyzed as strategies for stabilizing interfaces, regulating lithium nucleation, and reducing structural degradation. Unlike conventional summaries focused mainly on electrochemical performance, this review highlights how external physical fields act as controllable boundary conditions that influence stress redistribution, contact stability, dendrite-induced fracture, and deformation compatibility. Practical issues, including field strength, energy consumption, added mass, stack pressure, cell format, and application-specific trade-offs, are also discussed to clarify which strategies are realistically scalable for future lithium batteries.