An overview of the key challenges and strategies for lithium metal anodes

• This review primarily emphasizes the fundamentals, the challenges and relevant strategies of LMBs. • Architecture of Li host having specific properties could display the superior electrochemical performance. • New directions are explored in the field of lithium metal anodes. Anode materials play a significant role in the batteries system. Li metal has emerged as the promising anode material owing to their vital well-known merits, such as high theoretical specific capacity (about 3860 mAh g −1 ), the most negative potential (-3.040 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode). Reports concerning lithium metal anode materials show increased potential in reasonable applications. Unfortunately, lithium dendrites, poor interfacial contact, the huge volume changes and sensitivity of electrolytes, limit the actual development of lithium metal anode. Even so, Li metal batteries (LMBs) with excellent performances are considered to be future energy storage systems once existing limitations can be worked out. Undoubtedly, a pressing need for new anode structure design arises to balance supply with demand. In this article, we begin with introducing the fundamentals of LMBs and enormous challenges, aiming at relevant issues and vital future trends in all aspects. In addition, some strategies of improving the stability of Li metal anodes are highlighted. Our main objective is to explore the mechanisms, design methods and development prospects of each strategy. Finally, new directions in the field of lithium metal anodes are also discussed.