Concentrated Electrolytes for Rechargeable Lithium Metal Batteries


 Traditional Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with graphite anode have gradually been closed to the glass ceiling of energy density. As a result, lithium metal batteries (LMBs), regarded as the ideal alternative, have attracted considerable attention. However, Lithium is highly reactive and susceptible to most electrolytes, resulting in poor cycle performance. In addition, Lithium grows the Li dendrites during the charging, adversely affecting the safety of LMBs. Therefore, LMBs are more sensitive to the chemical composition of electrolytes and their relative ratios (concentration). Recently, the concentration electrolytes have been widely demonstrated to be friendly to Lithium metal anode (LMA). This review focuses on the progress of concentrated electrolytes in LMBs, including the solvation structure varied with the concentration, unique functions in stabilizing the LMA, and their interfacial chemistry on LMA.