Functional Electrolytes and Advanced Materials for Lithium Metal Batteries
A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "D2: Electrochem: Batteries, Fuel Cells, Capacitors".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2026 | Viewed by 80
Special Issue Editors
Interests: lithium metal batteries; liquid electrolytes; simulations
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are widely regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage technologies due to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density and the low electrochemical potential of lithium metal anodes. These advantages make LMBs attractive for a broad range of applications, including electric vehicles, portable electronics, and large-scale energy storage systems; however, the practical deployment of lithium metal batteries remains limited by critical challenges such as lithium dendrite growth, low Coulombic efficiency, unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), safety concerns, and limited cycling stability.
In recent years, significant research efforts have been devoted to the development of functional electrolytes and advanced materials to address these challenges. Rational electrolyte design—including liquid, gel, solid-state, and hybrid electrolytes—has proven to be an effective strategy for regulating lithium deposition behavior, stabilizing electrode–electrolyte interfaces, and improving overall battery safety and lifespan. Meanwhile, advanced materials such as artificial interfacial layers, functional separators, protective coatings, and novel cathode frameworks play critical roles in suppressing dendrite formation, enhancing interfacial compatibility, and enabling high-energy-density battery architectures.
This Special Issue aims therefore to provide a comprehensive platform presenting and disseminating the latest advances in functional electrolytes and advanced materials for lithium metal batteries. Both fundamental studies and applied research are welcomed, with a particular emphasis on innovative material design, interfacial chemistry, and structure–performance relationships that contribute to safer, more stable, and high-performance LMBs.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Design and characterization of functional liquid, gel, and solid-state electrolytes;
- Advanced lithium metal anode protection strategies;
- High-voltage and high-loading cathode materials compatible with lithium metal;
- Safety, durability, and scalability of lithium metal batteries.
We hope this Special Issue will stimulate interdisciplinary discussions and accelerate the development of practical lithium metal battery technologies.
Dr. Pengcheng Li
Dr. Wenjing Deng
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- lithium metal batteries
- functional electrolytes
- interfacial engineering
- lithium dendrite suppression
- solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI)
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