Alloy‐Type Anodes for High‐Performance Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

Alloy‐type anodes are one of the most promising classes of next‐generation anode materials due to their ultrahigh theoretical capacity (2–10 times that of graphite). However, current alloy‐type anodes have several limitations: huge volume expansion, high tendency to fracture and disintegrate, an unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, and low Coulombic efficiency. Efforts to overcome these challenges are ongoing. This Review details recent progress in the research of batteries based on alloy‐type anodes and discusses the direction of their future development. We conclude that improvements in structural design, the introduction of a protective interface, and the selection of suitable electrolytes are the most effective ways to improve the performance of alloy‐type anodes. Furthermore, future studies should direct more attention toward analyzing their synergistic promoting effect.

Tunable LiZn‐Intermetallic Coating Thickness on Lithium Metal and Its Effect on Morphology and Performance in Lithium Metal Batteries

“…have gained increasing interest because they can reduce detrimental side reactions due to the higher chemical potential than pure Li metal and produce a more uniform Li deposition/-dissolution, based on the increased Li-ion diffusion coefficient of the LiM-coating compared to bare Li metal. [30,31] There are several methods of depositing an intermetallic protective coating, such as mechanical processes, [32] wetchemical, [33,34] and gas phase processes. [35][36][37] All of these methods share the common characteristic of using the reactivity of lithium to produce a mixed intermetallic composite or alloy at the interface.…”

“…[35][36][37] All of these methods share the common characteristic of using the reactivity of lithium to produce a mixed intermetallic composite or alloy at the interface. [31] Sputter deposition was often employed as a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique for Li metal coatings due to the solvent-and organic additive-free fabrication of thin coatings with a tunable thickness. The replaceable sputter target enables a fast screening of various intermetallic phases, as shown in recent studies.…”

“…[ 35–37 ] All of these methods share the common characteristic of using the reactivity of lithium to produce a mixed intermetallic composite or alloy at the interface. [ 31 ]…”