In-Situ Electrodeposition of Nanostructured Carbon Strengthened Interface for Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anode

The lithium metal anode (LMA) is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for high-energy Li-ion batteries. However, the naturally formed solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is unsatisfied, which would cause continuous dendrite growth and thus prevent the practical application of the LMA. Herein, a stable electrolytic carbon-based hybrid (ECH) artificial SEI is constructed on the LMA via the in-situ electrodeposition of an electrolyte sovlent at ultrahigh voltage. This nanostructured carbon strengthened SEI exhibits much improved ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, which enables uniform Li⁺ diffusion, stabilizes the interface between the electrolyte and lithium metal, and inhibits Li dendrite breeding and Li pulverization. With the protection of this ECH layer, the symmetrical cells show stable long-term cycling performance over 500 h with an ultrahigh plating capacity of 5 mAh cm^-2 at the current density of 5 mA cm^-2. A full cell assembled with a Li[Ni_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1]O₂ or LiFePO₄ cathode exhibits a long-term cycling life and excellent capacity retention.