Frontiers in Chemistry (Nov 2019)

A Review of Carbon-Based Materials for Safe Lithium Metal Anodes

  • Yan Liu,
  • Yan Liu,
  • Xifei Li,
  • Xifei Li,
  • Xifei Li,
  • Linlin Fan,
  • Linlin Fan,
  • Shufeng Li,
  • Hirbod Maleki Kheimeh Sari,
  • Hirbod Maleki Kheimeh Sari,
  • Jian Qin,
  • Jian Qin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2019.00721
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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Lithium metal is a promising anode material with extremely high theoretical specific capacity (3,860 mA h g−1), low density (0.59 g cm−3), and the lowest negative electrochemical potential of all potential candidates (−3.04 V vs. the standard hydrogen electrode). However, uncontrollable Li dendrite growth leads to a short lifespan and catastrophic safety hazards, which has restricted its practical application for many years. Some effective strategies have been adopted regarding these challenges, including electrolyte modification, introducing a protective layer, nanostructured anodes, and membrane modification. Carbon-based materials have been demonstrated to significantly address the challenge of Li dendrites. In this review, carbon-based materials and their application and challenges in lithium metal anode protection have been discussed in detail. In addition, the applications of lithium anodes protected by carbon-based materials in Li-S batteries and Li-O2 batteries have been summarized.

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