Realizing High Stable Lithium Storage by Self-Healing Ga-Based Anode Designs

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are recognized as excellent energy storage devices due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and safety. As a result, they are widely used in portable electronic devices, energy vehicles, and various other fields. However, the traditional graphite anode suffers from a low specific capacity and poor rate performance, making it difficult to meet the increasing demands of LIBs. Although the commercial silicon anode has higher theoretical capacity, it also faces a larger volume expansion problem. In recent years, liquid metal Ga-based materials have emerged as frontier materials in LIBs technology, offering high theoretical capacity, excellent conductivity, and unique “self-healing” properties. This review covers the latest research advancements in Ga-based materials, focusing on their synthesis methods, self-healing characteristics, and structural applications. Furthermore, the lithium storage mechanism and the relationship between the self-repair mechanism and lithium storage performance are thoroughly explored, providing valuable insights for Ga-based materials in LIBs applications. Lastly, several potential challenges and future prospects are highlighted to guide further research and applications of Ga-based materials.