Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin. ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (9): 100096.doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100096
• REVIEW • Previous Articles Next Articles
Xintong Zhu1,2, Bin Cao2,3, Chong Yan4, Cheng Tang2,5,*(
), Aibing Chen1,*(
), Qiang Zhang2,6,*(
)
Received:2025-03-05
Revised:2025-04-11
Accepted:2025-04-18
Published:2025-07-04
Contact:
Email: cheng–net0@tsinghua.edu.cn (Cheng Tang)chen_ab@163.com (Aibing Chen)zhang–qiang@mails.tsinghua.edu.cn (Qiang Zhang)
Supported by:Xintong Zhu, Bin Cao, Chong Yan, Cheng Tang, Aibing Chen, Qiang Zhang. Advances in coating strategies for graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries[J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin. 2025, 41(9), 100096. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100096
Fig 1
Development summary of coating materials and coating methods for graphite anodes [22,33–35,37,38,40,56,57,70,85,104,113,114,123]. Adapted with permission from Ref. [22], Copyright 2001, Elsevier. Adapted with permission from Ref. [33], Copyright 1995, Elsevier. Adapted with permission from Ref. [34], Copyright 1998, IOP Publishing. Adapted with permission from Ref. [35], Copyright 2000, IOP Publishing. Adapted with permission from Ref. [40], Copyright 2001, Elsevier. Adapted with permission from Ref. [37], Copyright 2003, Elsevier. Adapted with permission from Ref. [38], Copyright 2006, Elsevier. Adapted with permission from Ref. [56], Copyright 2010, John Wiley and Sons. Adapted with permission from Ref. [70], Copyright 2016, American Chemical Society. Adapted with permission from Ref. [114], Copyright 2017, Elsevier. Adapted with permission from Ref. [123], Copyright 2018, Elsevier. Adapted with permission from Ref. [113], Copyright 2019, Elsevier. Adapted with permission from Ref. [85], Copyright 2020, John Wiley and Sons. Adapted with permission from Ref. [57], Copyright 2021, John Wiley and Sons. Adapted with permission from Ref. [104], Copyright 2023, John Wiley and Sons."
Table 1
Characteristics and applications of different coating methods."
| Coating method | Coating layer homogeneity | Cost | Complexity of process | Temperature/Pressure | Applicable coating materials |
| Hydrothermal | High | High | Simple process, not optimized for large-scale application | Medium temperature, high pressure | Carbon material, Li-ion conductor, metal compound |
| Co-precipitation | Medium | Low | Mature process, scalable for large-scale application | Room temperature | Carbon material, Li-ion conductor, metal compound |
| Sol-gel | High | Low | Mature process, scalable for large-scale application | Room temperature | Carbon material, Li-ion conductor, metal compound, polymer material |
| Chemical vapor deposition | High | Medium | Mature process, scalable for large-scale application | High temperature (> 500 ℃) | Carbon material, Li-ion conductor, metal compound, polymer material |
| Atomic/molecular layer deposition | Extremely high | Extremely high | Complex process, not optimized for large-scale application | Medium temperature | Carbon material, Li-ion conductor, metal compound |
| Spray drying | High | Medium | Mature process, scalable for large-scale application | Medium temperature | Carbon material, Li-ion conductor, metal compound |
Fig 2
Schematic of the coating layer influence on the lithium storage behaviors of graphite anodes. (a) Without coating on graphite, the co–intercalation of solvated Li+ ions will lead to the reductive decomposition of electrolyte and the detachment of the layered structure. (b) The coating layer on graphite prevents the co-intercalation of solvated Li+ ions and ensures proper lithium storage."
Fig 3
The surface of the graphite anode is coated with carbon materials. TEM images of (a) the pristine graphite and (b) nanoscale turbulent carbon–coated graphite [85]. (c) Rate capability of the pristine graphite and carbon-coated graphite and (d) AC impedance spectra at 0.7 V discharge [94]. (e) Diagram of Li+ flux distribution in raw graphite (PGr) and coated graphite particles (CDGr) [95]. (f) Temperature dependence of C′ obtained at 1 Hz for the graphite symmetric cells before and after charging/discharging [95]. (g) O 1s XPS spectrum of PCG [98], (h) schematic of the fabrication of PCG [98], and (i) cycling performance of PCG at 0.1C and (j) 2C [98]. (a, b) Adapted with permission from Ref. [85], Copyright 2020, John Wiley and Sons. (c, d) Adapted with permission from Ref. [94], Copyright 2015, Elsevier. (e, f) Adapted with permission from Ref. [95], Copyright 2022, Elsevier. (g–j) Adapted with permission from Ref. [98], Copyright 2023, Springer Nature."
Fig 4
The surface of the graphite anode is coated with lithium–ion conductors. (a, b) Schematic of the effect of LiI coating on a graphite surface [102]. (c) Schematic of the desolvation process and Li+ transport on LEMC-based SEI and (d) Li3P-based SEI [103]. (e) Cycling performance of the NCM622 || graphite pouch cells at a charging current density of 6C [103]. (f) Illustration of the mechanism of Li3P-engineered graphite anode in low-temperature electrolyte [104]. (g) Schematic delineating the SEI structure on graphite and (h) Li3PO4–coated graphite electrodes [105]. (a, b) Adapted with permission from Ref. [102], Copyright 2022, American Chemical Society. (c–e) Adapted with permission from Ref. [103], Copyright 2023, Springer Nature. (f) Adapted with permission from Ref. [104], Copyright 2023, John Wiley and Sons. (g, h) Adapted with permission from Ref. [105], Copyright 2024, John Wiley and Sons."
Fig 5
The surface of the graphite anode is coated with metal compound materials. (a, b) Proposed improvement mechanism illustration of AlPO4 coating of graphite in the cycled LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4| graphite full cell [44]. (c) Schematic of the energy levels in a typical lithium–ion battery. The LUMO of the electrolyte is lower than the Fermi energy of Li (ELi), the difference between which is noted as ΔEred. EIE stands for ionization energies of various organic solvent molecules [112]. (d) Schematic of the graphite surface coated with Al2O3 [113]. (e) Rate capability at different current densities of TiO2−x@graphite electrode with different amounts of TiO2−x [114]. Comparison of calculated total DOS profiles from the partial DOS of Ti (blue) and O (orange) for (f) stoichiometric TiO2 and (g) off–stoichiometric TiO2−x structures [115]. (h) Cycling performance of graphite and MoOx-MoPx-coated graphite anodes in full cells [116]. (a, b) Adapted with permission from Ref. [44], Copyright 2019, John Wiley and Sons. (c) Adapted with permission from Ref. [112], Copyright 2016, American Chemical Society. (d) Adapted with permission from Ref. [113], Copyright 2019, Elsevier. (e) Adapted with permission from Ref. [114], Copyright 2017, Elsevier. (f, g) Adapted with permission from Ref. [115], Copyright 2020, Elsevier. (h) Adapted with permission from Ref. [116], Copyright 2021, Springer Nature."
Fig 6
The surface of the graphite anode is coated with polymer materials. (a) Schematic of the effect of SM polymerization coating on the graphite surface [119]. (b) Schematic of the bonding and fixation coating of PEGPE and PAAm [125]. (c) Rate capability of graphite and P & P-coated graphite at different current densities [125]. (d) Cycling performance of graphite and PDA–coated graphite [126]. (e) Schematic of lithium plating on a pristine graphite electrode and a PVDF–coated electrode [123]. (f) Schematic of the bilayer SEI structure formed on the surface of PMMA–coated graphite and (g) its cycling performance [127]. (a) Adapted with permission from Ref. [119], Copyright 2017, Elsevier. (b, c) Adapted with permission from Ref. [125], Copyright 2014, John Wiley and Sons. (d) Adapted with permission from Ref. [126], Copyright 2022, John Wiley and Sons. (e) Adapted with permission from Ref. [123], Copyright 2018, Elsevier. (f, g) Adapted with permission from Ref. [127], Copyright 2023, Elsevier."
Table 2
Representative materials and their advantages in graphite coating."
| Coating material | Key features | Ionic conductivity | Electrical conductivity | SEI regulation/mechanical properties | Electrochemical properties |
| Carbon material | Conductive for both ions and electrons | Large interlamellar spacing promotes Li+ diffusion | High conduction | Thin and stable SEl formation/low hardness | Improve the initial Coulombic efficiency and rate performance |
| Li-ion conductor | High conductivity of Li+ ions | Accelerating desolvation | Insulation | Inorganic-rich SEI/medium hardness | Improve the low-temperature and fast-charging performance |
| Metal compound | Electrically conductive, stable interface | High Li+ adsorption | Insulation or partial conduction | Physically hinder electrolyte decomposition/high hardness | Improve the cycle stability |
| Polymer material | Flexible SEI, uniform deposition of Li | Polar groups promote Li+ conduction | Insulation or partial conduction | Inner organic-outer inorganic composite SEI/high flexibility | Reduce lithium dendrites |
| 1 |
doi: 10.1039/D4EB00011K |
| 2 |
doi: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100376 |
| 3 |
doi: 10.1039/D4EB00036F |
| 4 |
doi: 10.1039/C5CS00410A |
| 5 |
doi: 10.1016/j.esci.2023.100180 |
| 6 |
doi: 10.1039/D4EB00006D |
| 7 |
doi: 10.1038/s41560-023-01426-1 |
| 8 |
doi: 10.1039/D4EE00822G |
| 9 |
doi: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100399 |
| 10 |
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB201905003 |
| 11 |
doi: 10.1002/aenm.201703082 |
| 12 |
doi: 10.1016/j.esci.2023.100186 |
| 13 |
doi: 10.1016/j.chempr.2020.08.012 |
| 14 |
doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-51537-w |
| 15 |
doi: 10.1016/j.esci.2023.100177 |
| 16 |
doi: 10.1002/aenm.202170001 |
| 17 |
doi: 10.1039/D3EE03584K |
| 18 |
doi: 10.1016/j.esci.2025.100397 |
| 19 |
doi: 10.1016/0025-5408(72)90266-8 |
| 20 |
doi: 10.1016/j.mtener.2020.100518 |
| 21 |
doi: 10.1039/C6CS00875E |
| 22 |
doi: 10.1016/S0378-7753(01)00887-4 |
| 23 |
doi: 10.1002/asia.201600249 |
| 24 |
doi: 10.1002/eom2.12476 |
| 25 |
doi: 10.1002/eom2.12212 |
| 26 |
doi: 10.1002/inf2.12225 |
| 27 |
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202010076 |
| 28 |
doi: 10.1002/aenm.202301944 |
| 29 |
doi: 10.1039/D2EE01489K |
| 30 |
doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c10792 |
| 31 |
doi: 10.1038/s41586-022-05281-0 |
| 32 |
doi: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100252 |
| 33 |
doi: 10.1016/0378-7753(94)02030-7 |
| 34 |
doi: 10.1149/1.1838497 |
| 35 |
doi: 10.1149/1.1393350 |
| 36 |
doi: 10.1023/A:1010970931622 |
| 37 |
doi: 10.1016/j.elecom.2003.09.014 |
| 38 |
doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2006.02.037 |
| 39 |
doi: 10.1016/S0378-7753(00)00601-7 |
| 40 |
doi: 10.1016/S0008-6223(00)00267-0 |
| 41 |
doi: 10.26599/CF.2024.9200017 |
| 42 |
doi: 10.1039/D2NJ00394E |
| 43 |
doi: 10.1039/C2JM31015E |
| 44 |
doi: 10.1002/ente.201801078 |
| 45 |
doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2023.05.001 |
| 46 |
doi: 10.1007/s11581-012-0733-9 |
| 47 |
doi: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c04723 |
| 48 |
doi: 10.1002/advs.202100488 |
| 49 |
doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140605 |
| 50 |
doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00973-y |
| 51 |
doi: 10.20964/2019.04.22 |
| 52 |
doi: 10.1016/j.cplett.2023.140917 |
| 53 |
doi: 10.1021/cr900056b |
| 54 |
doi: 10.1002/jccs.202300291 |
| 55 |
doi: 10.1021/acsnano.7b08751 |
| 56 |
doi: 10.1002/adma.200903951 |
| 57 |
doi: 10.1002/aenm.202102618 |
| 58 |
doi: 10.1021/acsaem.4c02930 |
| 59 |
doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2023.03.013 |
| 60 |
doi: 10.1039/D2MA00820C |
| 61 |
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202204057 |
| 62 |
doi: 10.1016/j.surfin.2021.101089 |
| 63 |
doi: 10.1007/s10854-022-08533-x |
| 64 |
doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2023.118004 |
| 65 |
doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2013.08.150 |
| 66 |
doi: 10.3390/en16176141 |
| 67 |
doi: 10.1021/acsami.2c05583 |
| 68 |
doi: 10.20964/2019.02.49 |
| 69 |
doi: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.146720 |
| 70 |
doi: 10.1021/acsami.6b04109 |
| 71 |
doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2019.12.054 |
| 72 |
doi: 10.1021/acsami.4c05191 |
| 73 |
doi: 10.1007/s10853-019-04313-x |
| 74 |
doi: 10.1007/s11814-023-1529-5 |
| 75 |
doi: 10.1016/j.matlet.2020.128421 |
| 76 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2007.07.010 |
| 77 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.07.101 |
| 78 |
doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2017.09.005 |
| 79 |
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202303021 |
| 80 |
doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c15484 |
| 81 |
doi: 10.1002/anie.200351203 |
| 82 |
doi: 10.1002/adfm.202312994 |
| 83 |
doi: 10.1016/j.est.2024.112480 |
| 84 |
doi: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2022.128270 |
| 85 |
doi: 10.1002/sstr.202000010 |
| 86 |
doi: 10.1039/D3EE02213G |
| 87 |
doi: 10.1039/D0CC05084A |
| 88 |
doi: 10.1039/d4ra01560f |
| 89 |
doi: 10.1016/j.elecom.2011.07.014 |
| 90 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2011.07.006 |
| 91 |
doi: 10.1016/j.ces.2024.120302 |
| 92 |
doi: 10.1039/C1CC14764A |
| 93 |
doi: 10.1007/s11581-020-03577-7 |
| 94 |
doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2015.07.030 |
| 95 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.231850 |
| 96 |
doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117921 |
| 97 |
doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2024.132488 |
| 98 |
doi: 10.1007/s11837-023-05992-3 |
| 99 |
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202012062 |
| 100 |
doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2014.05.011 |
| 101 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2014.06.158 |
| 102 |
doi: 10.1021/acsaem.1c03166 |
| 103 |
doi: 10.1038/s41560-023-01387-5 |
| 104 |
doi: 10.1002/adma.202308675 |
| 105 |
doi: 10.1002/anie.202402301 |
| 106 |
doi: 10.1007/s10800-019-01393-0 |
| 107 |
doi: 10.1149/1945-7111/abcaba |
| 108 |
doi: 10.1002/fuce.200800087 |
| 109 |
doi: 10.1002/aenm.201100750 |
| 110 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jechem.2022.10.044 |
| 111 |
doi: 10.1021/jz401231e |
| 112 |
doi: 10.1021/acsami.6b00231 |
| 113 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2019.03.027 |
| 114 |
doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.11.056 |
| 115 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2020.156042 |
| 116 |
doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20297-8 |
| 117 |
doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139708 |
| 118 |
doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c02115 |
| 119 |
doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2016.10.008 |
| 120 |
doi: 10.1021/acsaem.8b01912 |
| 121 |
doi: 10.1002/aenm.202103972 |
| 122 |
doi: 10.1039/C7TA02706K |
| 123 |
doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.10.002 |
| 124 |
doi: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.106983 |
| 125 |
doi: 10.1002/adma.201403880 |
| 126 |
doi: 10.1002/smll.202107460 |
| 127 |
doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2023.01.038 |
| [1] | Liangliang Song, Haoyan Liang, Shunqing Li, Bao Qiu, Zhaoping Liu. Challenges and strategies on high-manganese Li-rich layered oxide cathodes for ultrahigh-energy-density batteries [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2025, 41(8): 100085-. |
| [2] | Aoyu Huang, Jun Xu, Yu Huang, Gui Chu, Mao Wang, Lili Wang, Yongqi Sun, Zhen Jiang, Xiaobo Zhu. Tailoring Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces via a Simple Slurry Additive for Stable High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Batteries [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2025, 41(4): 100037-. |
| [3] | Xueyu Lin, Ruiqi Wang, Wujie Dong, Fuqiang Huang. Rational Design of Bimetallic Oxide Anodes for Superior Li+ Storage [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2025, 41(3): 100021-. |
| [4] | Chenyue Huang, Hongfei Zheng, Ning Qin, Canpei Wang, Liguang Wang, Jun Lu. Single-Crystal Nickel-Rich Cathode Materials: Challenges and Strategies [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2024, 40(9): 2308051-. |
| [5] | Jingshuo Zhang, Yue Zhai, Ziyun Zhao, Jiaxing He, Wei Wei, Jing Xiao, Shichao Wu, Quan-Hong Yang. Research Progress of Functional Binders in Silicon-Based Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2024, 40(6): 2306006-. |
| [6] | Xuechen Hu, Qiuying Xia, Fan Yue, Xinyi He, Zhenghao Mei, Jinshi Wang, Hui Xia, Xiaodong Huang. Electrochemical Characteristics of LiNbO3 Anode Film and Its Applications in All-Solid-State Thin-Film Lithium-Ion Battery [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2024, 40(2): 2309046-. |
| [7] | Siyu Zhang, Kunhong Gu, Bing'an Lu, Junwei Han, Jiang Zhou. Hydrometallurgical Processes on Recycling of Spent Lithium-lon Battery Cathode: Advances and Applications in Sustainable Technologies [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2024, 40(10): 2309028-. |
| [8] | Hangyu Lu, Ruilin Hou, Shiyong Chu, Haoshen Zhou, Shaohua Guo. Progress on Modification Strategies of Layered Lithium-Rich Cathode Materials for High Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2023, 39(7): 2211057-0. |
| [9] | Ru Wang, Zhikang Liu, Chao Yan, Long Qie, Yunhui Huang. Interface Strengthening of Composite Current Collectors for High-Safety Lithium-Ion Batteries [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2023, 39(2): 2203043-0. |
| [10] | Siying Zhu, Huiyang Li, Zhongli Hu, Qiaobao Zhang, Jinbao Zhao, Li Zhang. Research Progresses on Structural Optimization and Interfacial Modification of Silicon Monoxide Anode for Lithium-Ion Battery [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2022, 38(6): 2103052-. |
| [11] | Yue Yang, Jiawei Zhu, Pengyan Wang, Haimi Liu, Weihao Zeng, Lei Chen, Zhixiang Chen, Shichun Mu. NH2-MIL-125 (Ti) Derived Flower-Like Fine TiO2 Nanoparticles Implanted in N-doped Porous Carbon as an Anode with High Activity and Long Cycle Life for Lithium-Ion Batteries [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2022, 38(6): 2106002-. |
| [12] | Ying Mo, Kuikui Xiao, Jianfang Wu, Hui Liu, Aiping Hu, Peng Gao, Jilei Liu. Lithium-Ion Battery Separator: Functional Modification and Characterization [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2022, 38(6): 2107030-. |
| [13] | Xuewei Liu, Ying Niu, Ruixiong Cao, Xiaohong Chen, Hongyan Shang, Huaihe Song. Is there a Demand of Conducting Agent of Acetylene Black for Graphene-Wrapped Natural Spherical Graphite as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries? [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2022, 38(2): 2012062-. |
| [14] | Yaokun Ye, Zongxiang Hu, Jiahua Liu, Weicheng Lin, Taowen Chen, Jiaxin Zheng, Feng Pan. Research Progress of Theoretical Studies on Polarons in Cathode Materials of Lithium-Ion Batteries [J]. Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin., 2021, 37(11): 2011003-. |
| [15] | Huifang An, Li Jiang, Feng Li, Ping Wu, Xiaoshu Zhu, Shaohua Wei, Yiming Zhou. Hydrogel-Derived Three-Dimensional Porous Si-CNT@G Nanocomposite with High-Performance Lithium Storage [J]. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2020, 36(7): 1905034-. |
|
||