On the role of ultrathin lithium metal anodes produced by thermal evaporation

Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are the preferred option for the next generation of lithium batteries, where high energy density and longer cycle life are required. A new battery design eliminating the LMA in the discharged state provides the highest achievable energy density with reduced safety hazards, though irreversible Li losses impede the practical application of the anode-free concept. In this work, by using an ultrathin layer (