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Metallic lithium is regarded as one of the most promising electrode materials to break through the energy density bottleneck of current commercial lithium-ion batteries. However, the practical implementation of lithium metal anode is limited by the unstable electrode interface significantly, which directly induces a low Coulombic efficiency, short cycling lifespan, and dendritic lithium growth behavior. In this study, via in situ electropolymerization, lithiophilic and conformal polyaniline layer is developed to improve the initial lithium nucleation and plating process, reducing the interface charge transfer resistance and promoting uniform lithium plating/stripping behavior. Meanwhile, the polyaniline layer exhibits good adhesion to the substrate. As a result, the Li/Cu half cell delivers a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.1% for 400 cycles at 1.0 mA·cm−2 with polyaniline layer. In addition, long-term stable cycling at a current density of 1.0 mA·cm−2 for 1300 h has been achieved for lithium metal anode. This strategy provides a new perspective for the practical lithium metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As potential alternatives to graphite, silicon (Si) and silicon oxides (SiOx) received a lot of attention as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries owing to their relatively low working potentials, high theoretical specific capacities, and abundant resources. However, the commercialization of Si-based anodes is greatly hindered by their massive volume expansion, low conductivity, unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI), and low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Continuous endeavors have been devoted to overcoming these challenges to achieve practical usage. This review is centered on the major challenges and latest developments in the modification strategies of Si-based anodes, including structure optimization, surface/interface regulation, novel binders, and innovative design of electrolyte. Finally, outlooks and perspectives of Si-based anodes for future development are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) with extremely‐high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg−1) are deemed to be the most likely energy storage system to be commercialized. However, the polysulfides shuttling and lithium (Li) metal anode failure in LSBs limit its further commercialization. Herein, a versatile asymmetric separator and a Li‐rich lithium–magnesium (Li–Mg) alloy anode are applied in LSBs. The asymmetric separator is consisted of lithiated‐sulfonated porous organic polymer (SPOP‐Li) and Li6.75La3Zr1.75Nb0.25O12 (LLZNO) layers toward the cathode and anode, respectively. SPOP‐Li serves as a polysulfides barrier and Li‐ion conductor, while the LLZNO functions as an "ion redistributor". Combining with a stable Li–Mg alloy anode, the symmetric cell achieves 5300 h of Li stripping/plating and the modified LSBs exhibit a long lifespan with an ultralow fading rate of 0.03% per cycle for over 1000 cycles at 5 C. Impressively, even under a high‐sulfur‐loading (6.1 mg cm−2), an area capacity of 4.34 mAh cm−2 after 100 cycles can still be maintained, demonstrating high potential for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali metal–O2 batteries exhibit ultra-high theoretical energy density which is even on par with fossil energy and are expected to become the next generation energy storage devices. However, to maintain the advantages of high energy density of alkali metal–O2 batteries, the reversibility of alkali metal anodes with high capacity is of vital importance. But the alkali metal anode with high chemical activity often faces a variety of challenges, including various side reactions, dendrite formation and volume expansion. In this highlight, we focus on the challenges faced by alkali metal anodes in alkali metal–O2 batteries and introduce the latest strategies to effectively stabilize the metal anode. Future perspectives are pointed out, which are valuable for the further development of nonaqueous alkaline metal–O2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal is regarded as the most promising electrode material for the next generation of energy storage devices. However, low coulombic efficiency and short cycle lifespan caused by the unstable electrode interface have hindered its practical application. Constructing artificial coatings on the anode is one of the most effective approaches for remedying this, but the practical effects are still limited due to their poor regulation of Li+ ions transport and complex construction engineering. Herein, an "inverse concentration gradient" concept is put forward to improve the lithium metal anode, especially at high current density. A Li4Ti5O12 artificial coating layer is fabricated on copper foil by a simple droplet coating method and a concentrated Li+ ions region near the electrode interface in the coating layer is formed in situ after the initial activation process, which alleviates the effects of space charge regions generated by ion depletion on the growth of lithium dendrites. Coupled with high ionic conductivity and "zero strain" characteristics, stable dendrite‐free cycling of lithium metal anodes is achieved even at 5 mA cm−2 in Li/Cu half cell. The unique concentration gradient design provides a new perspective for the interface regulation of advanced lithium metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strong demand on high-performance lithium ion batteries has brought up an attention upsurge in the research society and the commercial market. Carbon materials have shown the great potential as anode materials for lithium ion batteries since they are low-cost, safe, abundant, and electrochemically stable. In this work, we report a selenium-doped carbon anode through carbonizing the mixture of selenium and an organic compound of naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride. Benefiting from the porous structure, enlarged BET specific area, and active defects from the doping of Se, the material shows excellent rate capability. It delivers a high specific capacity of 450 mAh g−1 after 580 cycles at the current density of 500 mA g−1 and a specific capacity of 170 mAh g−1 after 2400 cycles at the current density of 1000 mA g−1. The superb performance of this material proves its potential as anode for high-performance lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]