Recent progress on electrolyte additives for stable lithium metal anode

Lithium metal anode is usually described as the "Holy Grail" electrode and stimulates widely interest of researchers due to an ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and lowest electrochemical potential. Lithium metal anode can match well with the growing demand for high energy density when coupled with suitable cathode. However, the defects related to lithium metal anode, especially Li dendrite growth, stunt tremendously the practical application of metallic Li-based batteries. To deal with the aforementioned issue, a series of strategies have been proposed successively. Thereinto, it is worth noting that electrolyte additives, served as "vitamin" in the batteries, are in urgent demand for its convenience and cost-effectiveness. To understand the beneficial role of electrolyte additives for stable Li anode in depth, firstly, we introduced several main mechanism of Li dendrite growth. Moreover, the effects of electrolyte additives for Li metal anode was expounded. Furthermore, we reviewed recent progress of electrolyte additives in protecting Li anode. Finally, we summarized the existing challenges of additives and proposed some prospects combined with the practice.