Recent advances in current collectors for Li-ion batteries: materials, structures and interfacial properties

Due to the high efficiency and high energy density, Li-ion batteries are widely used in the field of portable electronic consumer devices, and play an important role in the development of electric vehicles and the storage and conversion of renewable energy. Current collectors are an indispensable component because of their key role in determining the electrochemical properties of Li-ion batteries, such as the energy density, power density and cycling stability. In this paper, the recent advances in the field of current collectors of Li-ion batteries are summarized. Firstly, the merits and flaws of two kinds of current collectors, i.e., metallic and carbonaceous ones are analyzed. Next, the recent progress in design, preparation, and utilization of three-dimensionally structured current collectors, the strategies to decrease the interfacial resistance, and the methods of improving the interfacial adhesion between the current collector and the electrode layer are reviewed. Finally, conclusions and perspectives for future research are discussed.