3D Host Design Strategies Guiding “Bottom–Up” Lithium Deposition: A Review

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have the potential to be the next-generation rechargeable batteries due to the high theoretical specific capacity and the lowest redox potential of lithium metal. However, the practical application of LMBs is hindered by challenges such as the uncontrolled growth of lithium dendrites, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and excessive volume change of Li metal. To solve these issues, the design of high-performance lithium metal anodes (LMAs) with various 3D structures is critical. Targeting at realizing the “bottom–up” Li deposition to fully utilize the 3D architecture, in recent years, strategies such as gradient host materials construction, magnetic field modulation, SEI component design, and so on have attracted intensive attention. This review begins with a fundamental discussion of the Li nucleation and deposition mechanism. The recent advances in the aspects of construction strategies and modification methods that enable the “bottom–up” Li deposition within advanced 3D host materials, with a particular emphasize on their design principles are comprehensively overviewed. Finally, future challenges and perspectives on the design of advanced hosts toward practical LMAs are proposed.