Development of Anode-Free Metal Batteries

Ever increasing need for electrical vehicles (EVs) continually pushes the boundary of high-density energy storage systems. To date, the state of the art of lithium (Li) ion batteries (LIBs) consisting of graphite anode and high voltage Li intercalation cathodes cannot satisfy the energy demand from these applications. By replacing graphite anode with Li metal anode (LMA), specific energy density of Li metal batteries (LMBs) can increase by more than 50% because LMA has a much higher specific capacity (3820 mAh g-1) than that of graphite (372 mAh g-1). To further increase the energy density of Li batteries, the concept of “anode-free” Li batteries (AFLBs) has been explored. Similar approach can also be used in “anode-free” sodium (Na) batteries (AFSBs) to further improve their energy densities. In this work, we will report our recent work on the development of AFLBs and AFSBs. The common challenges in these batteries will be analyzed and compared first. Several approaches, including development of novel electrolytes, substrate treatment, optimization of testing protocol and environment conditions, have been adopted to increase the cycle life of these batteries. At last, future perspective and application of anode-fee metal batteries will be discussed. References Niu, C.; Liu, D.; Lochala, J. A.; Anderson, C. S.; Cao, X.; Gross, M. E.; Xu, W.; Zhang, J.-G.; Whittingham, M. S.; Xiao, J.; Liu, J., Balancing interfacial reactions to achieve long cycle life in high-energy lithium metal batteries. Nature Energy 2021. Zhang, J.-G., Anode-less. Nature Energy 2019, 4 (8), 637-638. Pereira, N.; Amatucci, G. G.; Whittingham, M. S.; Hamlen, R., Lithium–titanium disulfide rechargeable cell performance after 35 years of storage. Journal of Power Sources 2015, 280, 18-22. Boyle, D. T.; Huang, W.; Wang, H.; Li, Y.; Chen, H.; Yu, Z.; Zhang, W.; Bao, Z.; Cui, Y., Corrosion of lithium metal anodes during calendar ageing and its microscopic origins. Nature Energy 2021.