Interfacial regulation engineering in anode-free rechargeable batteries

Anode-free rechargeable batteries (AFRBs), equipped with bare collectors at the anode, are potential electrochemical energy storage technology attributed to their simplified cell configuration, high energy density, and cost reduction. Nevertheless, issues including insufficient Coulombic efficiency as well as the formation of the dendrites restrict their practical implementation. In recent years, various strategies have been proposed to overcome the critical issues of AFRBs. Among which, interfacial properties play key roles for achieving high stable AFRBs. In this review, an overview of AFRBs is discussed in the first part. Then, the main strategies based on interfacial regulation engineering toward high-performance AFRBs are summarized including designing of current collectors, introducing of surface coating layers, modification of electrolytes, separators engineering, cathode materials regulation, and so forth. In addition, some future perspectives for developing AFRBs are proposed. This review will create new avenues on constructing stable AFRBs for advanced energy storage devices.