The PULSELiON project proudly announces its 29th Open Access publication, contributing an extensive review of one of the most promising concepts for next-generation battery technologies: anode-less (anode-free) batteries.
The article, titled “Anode-Less (Anode-Free) Batteries: From Fundamental Principles to Practical Pathways Toward Solid-State Implementation”, has been published in Materials (2026, Volume 19, Article 1232) and is available Open Access.
A roadmap for next-generation anode-less batteries
Anode-less battery architectures eliminate the traditional host anode material, enabling higher energy density, simplified manufacturing, and potentially safer battery systems. These architectures are increasingly considered strong candidates for future lithium-metal and solid-state batteries.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in both liquid- and solid-electrolyte anode-less systems, while also extending the discussion to sodium- and potassium-based chemistries. The paper analyzes the fundamental mechanisms governing lithium plating/stripping, interfacial stability, dendrite formation, and electrolyte compatibility.
The authors also review a wide range of advanced characterization techniques, including:
- Operando spectroscopy
- In operando tomography
- SEM–EDX and AFM analyses
- Electrochemical diagnostics
- Interfacial and morphological studies
These techniques are essential for understanding degradation pathways and optimizing cell performance.
From laboratory concepts to industrial implementation
One of the central contributions of the review is the introduction of a “development pyramid”, a conceptual framework linking:
- Fundamental interface engineering
- Full-cell integration and compatibility
- Long-term reliability and manufacturability
The paper highlights the growing industrial momentum behind anode-less batteries, including hybrid semisolid-state approaches and fully solid-state architectures under development by major industrial players and start-ups.
The review also identifies the major remaining barriers to commercialization, including:
- Reversible lithium plating/stripping
- Interfacial stability and contact retention
- Dendrite suppression
- Practical large-format manufacturing challenges
By bridging fundamental science and industrial perspectives, the work provides a valuable roadmap for accelerating the development of safer and more sustainable high-energy batteries.
Contribution from PULSELiON
The publication was authored by researchers from the University of Porto, including Manuela Carvalho Baptista and Maria Helena Braga, within the framework of the PULSELiON Horizon Europe project