Strategies to spatially guide Li deposition in porous electrodes for high-performance lithium metal batteries

Abstract

To exploit the high theoretical energy density of Li metal anodes, critical issues like drastic volume changes and dendritic Li growth need to be overcome. A rational design of the anode is key to enhancing the safety and extending the cycle life of Li metal batteries. Thereby, 3D host architectures are a promising strategy to alleviate volume changes. However, the challenge is to ensure bottom-up infilling and prevent Li deposition and consequent dendrite formation on top of the host structure. This perspective on promising strategies to spatially guide Li deposition analyzes the impact of the structural and physical properties of the host matrix. Extensive parameter studies reveal key strategies to achieve the desired bottom-up infilling and provide a detailed roadmap to effectively design porous host architectures that enable spatially controlled Li deposition.