Lithium metal storage in zeolitic imidazolate framework derived nanoarchitectures

Due to the increasing demands for energy storage devices with higher energy density, lithium (Li) metal is considered to be the ultimate choice as an anode material because it has a high theoretical capacity (3860 ​mAh ​g⁻¹) and the lowest reduction potential (−3.04 ​V versus standard hydrogen electrode) among all the alkali metals. Despite these advantages, repeated Li plating/stripping during cell operation leads to dendritic Li and the formation of irreversible Li (dead Li), leading to internal short-circuits and capacity fading. These fundamental problems cause safety issues and cell failure, so they must be resolved to commercialize Li-metal anode. Many in-depth studies are ongoing to solve these drawbacks through a variety of approaches, such as the formation of artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), inserting an interfacial layer between the electrolyte and electrode, demonstrating three-dimensional structured electrodes, and using stable host structures to store Li-metal. In this Review, we focus on using host materials to store Li-metal among various strategies, which may be regarded as an alternative method but is very feasible. Also, we propose porous carbon materials derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) as the host materials due to their suitable properties for Li-metal storage. To advance progress towards practical application, the Li-metal storage capacity of porous materials is mathematically inferred, and further strategies are discussed for improving the storage capacity in this regard. Finally, we presented a perspective that paves the way for applying host materials to anodes of practical Li-metal battery.