Nanostructures and Nanomaterials for Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract

Lithium metal batteries consist of a high-capacity cathode (such as oxygen and sulfur) and a Li metal anode and can deliver extremely high theoretical energy densities. The Li metal batteries were proposed earlier than the Li-ion batteries, but the Li metal anode was considered unsafe and the cathodes were hardly reversible. To meet the ever-increasing demand for the high energy density in batteries, Li metal batteries have been recently revisited and gained great interest. The nanotechnology plays a critical role in improving the performance and safety of the Li metal batteries. This chapter introduces the nano engineering in Li metal batteries, including nanostructures and nanomaterials utilized in oxygen cathodes, sulfur cathodes, and Li metal anodes. Rationally designed nanostructures with micropores, mesopores, or macropores are essential to host, constrain, protect, and improve the electrodes per electrode material properties. The nanomaterials, such as porous carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, polymer nanofilms, and inorganic nanomaterials, all show different functions such as constructing 3D conductive networks, interface protection, catalysis, and so on. This chapter reviews the nanostructures and nanomaterials in promoting the Li metal batteries, as well as their drawbacks, to provide insights to the nanotechnology in boosting the development of high-energy-density Li metal batteries.