The replacement of non-aqueous organic electrolytes with solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) in solid-state lithium metal batteries (SLMBs) is considered a promising strategy to address the constraints of lithium-ion batteries, especially in terms of energy density and reliability. Nevertheless, few SLMBs can deliver the required cycling performance and long-term stability for practical use, primarily due to suboptimal interface properties. Given the diverse solidification pathways leading to different interface characteristics, it is crucial to pinpoint the source of interface deterioration and develop appropriate remedies. This review focuses on Li|SSE interface issues between lithium metal anode and SSE, discussing recent advancements in the understanding of (electro)chemistry, the impact of defects, and interface evolutions that vary among different SSE species. The state-of-the-art strategies concerning modified SEI, artificial interlayer, surface architecture, and composite structure are summarized and delved into the internal relationships between interface characteristics and performance enhancements. The current challenges and opportunities in characterizing and modifying the Li|SSE interface are suggested as potential directions for achieving practical SLMBs.

For the three-dimensional conductive host, the uneven lithium deposition and the dependence on the pore structure and lithiophility are a great challenge for lithium metal anodes. Herein, we employed facial chemical etching techniques on brass foil to fabricate three-dimensional copper hosts with diverse pore structures and lithiophilities, thus intending to understand the lithium depositing mechanisms in porous hosts. The copper host with a more pronounced pore structure exhibits the lower polarization voltage induced by its large specific surface area, which reduces the local current density and provides a great deal of pathway for lithium ion diffusion. Meanwhile, it exhibits high nucleation overpotential and a short lifespan due to a reduced number of favorable lithium nucleation sites caused by the reduced lithiophilic zinc sites and a marked increase in the routes between nucleation sites. Therefore, the appropriate pore structure needs a consideration of efficient balance between the nucleation overpotential, the polarization voltage, and Coulombic efficiency. This insight underscores the pivotal role of well-suited pore structures in three-dimensional hosts, providing profound guidance for the efficient design of advanced host for lithium metal anode.