Protecting the Li-Metal Anode in a Li-O₂ Battery by using Boric Acid as an SEI-Forming Additive

The Li-O₂ battery (LOB) is considered as a promising next-generation energy storage device because of its high theoretic specific energy. To make a practical rechargeable LOB, it is necessary to ensure the stability of the Li anode in an oxygen atmosphere, which is extremely challenging. In this work, an effective Li-anode protection strategy is reported by using boric acid (BA) as a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) forming additive. With the assistance of BA, a continuous and compact SEI film is formed on the Li-metal surface in an oxygen atmosphere, which can significantly reduce unwanted side reactions and suppress the growth of Li dendrites. Such an SEI film mainly consists of nanocrystalline lithium borates connected with amorphous borates, carbonates, fluorides, and some organic compounds. It is ionically conductive and mechanically stronger than conventional SEI layer in common Li-metal-based batteries. With these benefits, the cycle life of LOB is elongated more than sixfold.