Review on nanomaterials for next‐generation batteries with lithium metal anodes

Abstract

Stable lithium (Li) metal anode is highly pursued to accelerate the development of high-energy-density battery systems. In this article, the stable Li metal batteries boosted by nano-technology and nano-materials are comprehensively reviewed. Two emerging strategies, including nanostructured lithium metal frameworks and nano-artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) are particularly focused. First, typical conductive/non-conductive nanostructured frameworks and the corresponding merits are introduced. The physical and chemical modifications of the traditional nano-frameworks are further summarized. In addition, the nano-artificial SEIs built by in situ regulation and ex situ fabrication strategies are involved, with the scientific and technologic issues concerned on the interface well discussed. This review mainly focuses on the fresh benefits brought by nano-technology and nano-materials on building better lithium metal batteries. The recent advances of nanostructured lithium metal frameworks and nanoscale artificial SEIs are concluded, and the challenges as well as promising directions for future research are prospected.

Field‐Assisted Regulation Induced by Cobalt‐Doped ZnO for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes

“…SEM images of ZnO (Figure S1) further reveals that Co/ZnO nanospheres retain the basic structure of ZnO. The accumulation of nanoparticles can bring a bighearted active specific area, thereby decreasing the partial current density and slowing down the volume change [27] . The TEM image presented in Figure 1b further illustrates the spherical structure of Co/ZnO.…”

“…The accumulation of nanoparticles can bring a bighearted active specific area, thereby decreasing the partial current density and slowing down the volume change. [27] The TEM image presented in Figure 1b further illustrates the spherical structure of Co/ZnO. Additionally, the HRTEM inset at the bottom of Figure 1b shows a lattice spacing of 0.28 nm, which corresponds to the (110) plane of ZnO.…”

Designing Glass Nanocomposites with Nonbridging Oxygen Defects: An Approach to Improve Sodium-Ion Conduction

“…On the verge of miniaturization, the advent of nanoscale materials has provided several new developments in the field of next-generation batteries, , dielectric supercapacitors, − and magnetic sensors. − The reduced size in the nanomaterial scales down the ion diffusion length and accelerates ion transport. An increased surface-to-volume ratio provides more interfacial contact between the electrode and the electrolyte with faster intercalation/deintercalation rates, which provokes more chemical reactions and substantially escalates the material’s capacitive performance. , In the nanoscale regime, interfaces are the prime driving factors for ion movement enabling faster ion dynamics/kinetics, resulting in improved ionic conductivity and enhanced electrochemical performance. ,− In this regard, we have tried to investigate Na + conductivity in a series of glass as well as glass-ceramic-based nanocomposites and successfully achieved a room-temperature ionic conductivity of ∼10 –3 –10 –4 S·cm –1 . − These nanocomposites also exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with improved cyclic stability.…”

“…38−40 This is an effective approach for achieving faster ion migration ensuring enhanced conductivity with reduced activation energy. 41 On the verge of miniaturization, the advent of nanoscale materials has provided several new developments in the field of next-generation batteries, 42,43 dielectric supercapacitors, 44−46 and magnetic sensors. 47−50 The reduced size in the nanomaterial scales down the ion diffusion length and accelerates ion transport.…”

Strategies in Structure and Electrolyte Design for High‐Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

“…Additionally, 3D porous current collectors enlarge the surface area and lower the areal current density of Li metal anode, which can also suppress the Li dendrite growth. [ 28,29 ] Stable 3D porous current collectors combined with stable SEI can remarkably improve the safety and stability of Li metal anode, which is a feasible way to fulfill the practical application of LMBs.…”