The high specific capacity of lithium metal (3,860 mAh g−1), very low redox potential (−3.040 V versus standard hydrogen electrode) and low density (0.59 g cm−3) make it the ideal negative material for high energy density battery technologies.
[3] The primary challenges in developing practical rechargeable lithium metal batteries are low cell life due to low Coulombic efficiency, and poor reliability due to dendrite formation causing a short-circuit.
In 2023, solvent-free electrolytes based on low-melting molten salt mixtures were shown to have wide electrochemical window (5 V), good compatibility with Li metal anode, and negligible flammability/volatility.
[4][5] They represent a promising direction towards high-performance and safe rechargeable Li metal batteries.
Many inorganic materials families have been studied, including LiPON, lithium borohydride, glassy, semi-crystalline, and crystalline sulfides, NASICON structured phosphates, perovskites, anti-perovskites, and garnets.
Several companies are developing rechargeable lithium metal batteries for applications in consumer electronics devices and electric vehicles.
The only recommended method is to charge the battery from a voltage supply of exactly 3.1 volts through a current limiting resistor.