Developing artificial solid-state interphase for Li metal electrodes: recent advances and perspective

The failure of Li metal anodes can be attributed to their unstable electrode/electrolyte interface, especially the continuous formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and dendrite growth. To address this challenge, scholars proposed the construction of artificial SEI (ASEI) as a promising strategy. The ASEI mainly homogenizes the distribution of Li⁺, mitigates dendrite growth, facilitates Li⁺ diffusion, and protects the Li metal anode from electrolyte erosion. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent progress in the construction of ASEI layers in terms of their chemical composition. Fundamental understanding of the mechanisms, design principles, and functions of the main components are analyzed. We also propose future research directions to facilitate the in-depth study of ASEI and its practical applications in Li metal batteries. This review offers perspectives that will greatly contribute to the design of practical Li metal electrodes. © The Author(s) 2023.