The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs) are promising candidates for achieving ultra-high energy densities. However, their practical application is critically limited by the instability of lithium deposition onto the current collector during the initial formation step, as well as the morphological and chemical degradation of lithium metal during cycling. Here, we systematically investigate strategies to enhance the cycling stability of AFLMBs, with a particular focus on their effects on initial lithium nucleation and long-term cycling behavior. These strategies include the design of novel current collectors, the introduction of artificial interphases, electrolyte optimization, and specially tailored cell formation protocols. Our results provide new insights into the interfacial and structural evolution of lithium metal and offer design guidelines for the development of stable AFLMB systems.