2. Negative electrodes

2.1 Negative electrodes based on lithium metal

As we saw in the introduction, the performance prospects offered by a lithium-anode battery are particularly attractive. As a result, a number of products have been developed. But commercial success has not followed, because the lithium anode comes up against two major difficulties. The first relates to the reactivity of lithium with the electrolyte and the evolution of its structure during cycling. The second relates to the formation of dendrites through the electrolyte.

During charging, the lithium layer electroplated on the electrode is not homogeneous, but made up of metal grains that give it a porous structure. New lithium metal surfaces are therefore created during each charge. These react with the electrolyte...