Lithium metal is regarded as the most potential anode material for improving the energy density of batteries due to its high specific capacity and low electrode potential. However, the practical application of lithium-metal anodes (LMAs) still faces severe challenges such as uncontrollable dendrites growth and large volume expansion. The development of functional nanomaterials has brought opportunities for the revival of LMAs. Among them, nanofibrous materials show great application potential for LMAs protection due to their distinct functional and structural features. Here, the latest research progress in nanofibrous materials for LMAs is systematically outlined. First, the problems existing in the practical application of LMAs are analyzed. Then, prospective strategies and recent research progress toward stable LMAs based on nanofibrous materials are summarized from the aspects of artificial protective layers, three-dimensional frameworks, separators, and solid-state electrolytes. Finally, the future development of nanofibrous materials for the protection of lithium-metal batteries is summarized and prospected. This review establishes a close connection between nanofibrous materials and LMA modification and provides insight for the development of high-safety lithium-metal batteries.
Keywords: artificial protective layers; controllable deposition morphology; energy density; lithium dendrites; lithium-metal anodes; nanofibrous materials; progress of lithium anode protection; separators; solid-state electrolytes; three-dimensional frameworks.