Metallic nanowire-architected electrodes for dendrite-free lithium-metal batteries

Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) hold significant promise for achieving exceptionally high energy densities, attributed to lithium's remarkable capacity and its low electrochemical potential relative to the standard hydrogen electrode. However, the advancement of these batteries is hindered by challenges such as dendritic growth, instability at the interface, and volumetric changes. Previous reviews have tended to address aspects like electrolytes or coatings in isolation; in contrast, this thorough examination introduces metallic nanowire architectures as cohesive solutions that effectively address the critical interplay between architecture, interfaces, and overall system dynamics, areas that have been overlooked in earlier works. We introduce three significant contributions: First, we develop electro-topological design principles by systematically linking structural characteristics of nanowires—such as diameter (20-200 nm), spacing (<100 nm), alignment, and core-shell configurations—to their electrochemical performance. Second, we offer a novel approach to simultaneously tackle the issues of dendrite formation and interface stability, revealing that topological confinement can direct Li + flux into safeguarded regions, while dynamic interfaces foster lithiophilic reactivity and the self-healing of the solid-electrolyte interphase. Finally, we present unprecedented insights into industrial-scale considerations. This research links underlying principles to practical applications, providing actionable approaches for the development of safe, high-energy-density LMBs.