Recent advances in two-dimensional materials for alkali metal anodes

Abstract

Alkali metal anodes (AMAs) with high theoretical capacity, high energy density, and low redox potentials have attracted tremendous attention for high-energy-density batteries. However, their practical applications are hindered by severe metal dendrite growth, detrimental side reactions, and infinite volume expansion during plating and stripping processes. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in AMAs that are enabled by two-dimensional (2D) materials, which by their diverse chemical, physical, electrical, and mechanical properties, contribute to resolving the notorious challenges faced by AMAs, including composite anode construction, separator modification, artificial solid electrolyte interphase, and new electrolyte fabrication. A particular focus is devoted to the advanced characterization techniques and theoretical simulations, with the aim of providing a deeper understanding of the interfacial reactions and insight for the future design of AMAs. Finally, the challenges, potential solutions, and future perspectives for utilizing 2D materials in AMAs are highlighted and presented