Recent Advances in Current Collectors for Anode-Free Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract

Lithium metal anodes are promising for next-generation batteries due to their ultrahigh theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g⁻¹) and low redox potential. Anode-free lithium metal batteries offer enhanced energy density by eliminating prelithiated anodes. However, lithium's high reactivity causes dendrite growth, risking short circuits, while the unstable solid electrolyte interphase consumes active lithium and electrolyte, reducing cycle life and Coulombic efficiency (CE). Commercial copper foil current collectors, though conductive, promote uneven lithium deposition due to their smooth surfaces.Therefore, the modification of the Cu-based current collectors to reduce local current density, inhibit dendrite growth, and improve CE has been widely studied and reported. Herein, methods for modifying Cu-based current collectors are systematically summarized to guide the rational design of these modifications.