Stable Lithium Metal Anodes with a GaO Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Damp Air

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium (Li) metal is a high energy density material for rechargeable batteries.
• Its high reactivity causes air/water instability and lithium dendrite growth, posing safety risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an artificial solid electrolyte interphase for lithium metal anodes.
• To enhance the stability and safety of lithium metal batteries against environmental factors and dendrite formation.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a compact gallium oxide (GaO) layer using liquid metal (LM).
• Testing the GaO layer as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase.
• Evaluating the performance of the modified Li metal anode in symmetrical and full cells with a sulfur@C cathode.

Main Results:

• The GaO layer effectively blocked moisture and oxygen, preventing lithium metal corrosion.
• GaO coating inhibited lithium dendrite growth during electrochemical cycling.
• The composite Li metal anode demonstrated superior stability and over 500 cycles of elevated cycling stability at 0.5 and 1 C in a full cell.

Conclusions:

• A simple GaO layer formed by liquid metal provides an effective artificial solid electrolyte interphase.
• This method creates air/water-tolerant lithium metal anodes, significantly improving battery safety and lifespan.
• The findings offer a new strategy for the widespread application of lithium metal in rechargeable batteries.