Recent advances of ferro-/piezoelectric polarization effect for dendrite-free metal anodes

Metal anodes based on plating/stripping electrochemistry, for instance, common alkaline metal lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), polyvalent metal magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) are imminently evoked and increasingly researched for future generation high-energy-density rechargeable batteries due to their large theoretical capacity, low electrochemical potential, and superior electronic conductivity in recent years. However, the uncontrolled dendrite formation issue induces low Coulombic efficiency, short lifespan, and hazardous security risks, hindering the actual applications of metal batteries. Among various solutions, the utilization of ferro-/piezoelectric materials for metal anodes displays active effects on decreasing local current density, suppressing dendrite growth, and tolerating volume expansion benefits from the unique ferro-/piezoelectric polarization effect. This review presents the research progress of ferro-/piezoelectric polarization effect for regulating the dendritic growth of metal anodes for the first time. First, the current challenges and strategies of metal anodes are proposed. Then, ferro-/piezoelectric materials and their working principle are discussed. Finally, the recent research progress of ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials on dynamic regulation of dendrite growth is summarized, and the future perspectives are prospected. We hope this review could draw more attention in designing metal anodes with self-polarization materials and promoting their practical applications. Graphical abstract