With the merits of high energy density, cost effectiveness, high safety, and simple manufacturing, anode-free batteries (AFBs) are emerging as promising alternatives for next-generation energy storage devices. Nevertheless, the development of AFBs is restricted by rampant dendrite growth, large volume expansion, undesirable side reactions, and unstable solid electrolyte interphase layers. Summarizing the materials design principles of current collectors, electrolytes, and cathodes is crucial for the improvement of AFBs. Herein, the latest progress of AFBs is comprehensively reviewed. First, the fundamental principles of AFBs, such as configurations, working mechanisms, advantages, scientific challenges, etc., are introduced. Subsequently, the materials design strategies of current collectors, electrolytes, and cathodes to overcome these challenges are summarized in detail. Finally, a summary and perspectives on the future possible directions of AFBs toward practical applications are proposed.

无阳极电池（AFB）具有能量密度高、成本效益高、安全性高、制造简单等优点，正在成为下一代储能设备的有希望的替代品。然而，AFB的发展受到枝晶生长猖獗、体积膨胀大、不良副反应和不稳定的固体电解质界面层的限制。总结集流体、电解质和阴极的材料设计原理对于AFB的改进至关重要。本文全面回顾了AFB的最新进展。首先介绍了AFB的基本原理，如结构、工作机制、优点、科学挑战等。随后，详细总结了克服这些挑战的集流体、电解质和正极的材料设计策略。最后，对 AFB 未来可能的实际应用方向进行了总结和展望。