FUTURE-PROSPECTS OF THE LITHIUM METAL ANODE

Though rechargeable lithium batteries with a lithium metal anode have a high energy density compared with lithium-ion batteries with a carbo n insertion anode, the poor rechargeability of the lithium anode preve nts the practical use of such batteries. In this paper, several approa ches studied in the author's former laboratory at Kyoto University, ha ve been reviewed in order to improve such poor rechargeability. Poor r echargeability is caused by the formation of lithium dendrites during the charge process. The dense and thin bilayer film of LIF and Li2O fo rmed on the deposited lithium by the addition of the small amounts of HF and H2O in the electrolyte may be effective for the suppression of the dendritic formation of lithium. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Sci ence S.A.