Fluorinated organic compounds as promising materials to protect lithium metal anode: a review

The lowest electrode potential and remarkable theoretical specific capacity of lithium (Li) metal make it a promising choice for next-generation high-energy density batteries. However, the practical application of lithium metal anodes (LMAs) faces several significant challenges due to their unwanted reactions with the electrolyte to continuously form Li dendrites. These issues significantly hinder both electrochemical performance and safety. To overcome these challenges, fluorinated organic materials (FOMs), with their unique chemical and physical properties, offer an exciting avenue for enhancing the cycle stability and energy density of batteries. This is attributed to their higher electrolytic window and chemical stability. This review would provide a comprehensive overview of the crucial role played by FOMs in safeguarding LMAs, such as F-containing electrolyte engineering, separator modification, and artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Additionally, it intends to explore the challenges and latest advances in this domain, with the ultimate objective of offering insights and forward-looking perspectives for future research initiatives in related areas. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd.