Challenges and progresses of lithium-metal batteries

Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) have received considerable enthusiasm as the candidates for next-generation high energy density storage devices. However, the unexpected electrochemical deposition of metallic Li on the surface of anode has been considered as the major obstacle, severely limiting the practical applications of high-performance LMBs. In this review, we firstly introduce three major challenges impeding large-scale commercial implementation of LMBs, i.e., high reactivity of Li, dendrite growth and unstable interface. Then, feasible strategies and the state-of-the-art progress towards these issues are addressed, which we focus on the modifications of battery components (separator, electrolyte and anode), and control of external conditions (charging modes, current density and service temperature). Finally, future perspectives and design strategies are summarized, aiming to providing new insights for the commercial applications of high performance LMBs.