Perspective—Reversibility of Electro-Plating/Stripping Reactions: Metal Anodes for Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

Decades of research on metallic anodes has brought the concept closer to being commercially-relevant in multiple rechargeable battery systems. This is clearly illustrated by the profound progress made on improving the plating/stripping reversibility of some metals, such as Li, from <90% to >≈99%. However, claiming the remaining 1% and even 0.1% becomes progressively more difficult. To this end, the Perspective aims at providing a succinct discussion of key opportunities in resolving the critical challenges for the next phase of research on metal anodes—for example—controlling mesoscale orders, establishing standards for precision measurement, and exploring emerging candidates such as Mn and Fe, etc.