Toward Dynamic Solvation Networks for Practical Lithium Metal Battery Electrolytes

Abstract Electrolyte solvation chemistry is central to the advancement of next-generation lithium metal batteries. The Li+ solvation structure is closely related to ion transport, interphase chemistry, and cell performance. However, most efforts still examine solvation structures at microscopic length scales without accounting for the interfacial electric field that develops during cell operation. Here, we reorganize the reported solvation strategies into a framework integrating two perspectives: the length scale of the solvation structure and the presence of the interfacial electric field, spanning from static (field-free) microscopic solvation to dynamic (field-driven) solvation networks. Within this framework, we benchmark the electrochemical performance of representative strategies, connect the characterization methods and governing physics that operate at each length scale, and identify the failure modes that limit each electrolyte component. We discuss design directions for dynamic solvation networks and provide insights into aligning laboratory advances with industrial requirements.