Interfacial engineering on metal anodes in rechargeable batteries

Metal anodes (Li, Na, K, Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Al, Mn, etc.) based on a plating/stripping electrochemical mechanism have attracted great attention in rechargeable batteries because of their low electrochemical potential, high theoretical specific capacity, and superior electronic conductivity. Metal anodes exhibit large potential in constructing high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. However, challenges such as high chemical reactivity, large volume changes, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and uneven electrochemical deposition result in a serious of interfacial issues on metal anodes, including corrosion, side reaction, structural instability, and formation of dendrites. In the past several years, a lot of modification strategies based on interfacial engineering have been proposed to improve the interfacial stability of metal anodes. The interfacial engineering on metal anodes is mainly achieved by solid-liquid reaction, solid-solid reaction, solid-gas reaction, and physical decoration. In this review, we summary and analyze these interfacial engineering strategies on metal anodes in detail. Meanwhile, some perspectives and outlooks are put forward. This review can provide some enlightenment for related researchers and promote the development of metal anodes in rechargeable batteries.