Construction of 3D lithium metal anode using bi-functional composite separator: a new approach for lithium battery

With the increasing use of Li batteries for storage, their safety issues and energy densities are attracting considerable attention. The Li metal battery (LMB) with limited capacity in the Li metal anode is one of ideal high energy-density systems due to eliminating the use of traditional anode, elevating the energy density of battery and reducing production costs. However, the side reactions between the electrolyte and metallic Li and the irreversible loss of lithium resources caused by the generation of "dead Li" will directly lead to the loss of battery capacity during the cycling process. Therefore, the cycle life of the LMB with limited capacity in the Li metal anode faces significant challenges. Herein, a bi-functional manganese oxide (MnO)/polypropylene/Li₁₊AlTi_2-(PO₄)₃ (LATP) composite separator is designed to construct a stable three dimensional (3D) Li metal in the surface of Cu foil for LMB. The MnO can dissolve in electrolytes with low concentration, which can be reduced to produce Mn and Li₂O, functioning as nucleating seeds to induce sheet-like Li deposition. The sustainably released MnO also involves in the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which can be repaired promptly once damaged by the volume expansion of Li. The LATP coating layer is in situ transferred onto the sheet-like Li, acting as an artificial SEI layer for further protection. The constructed 3D Li metal anode with limited capacity shows improved cycle stability in LiFePO₄ cell, which shows a capacity retention of 94.5% after 150 cycles. Our strategy, constructing stable 3D Li metal anode with bi-functional composite separator, will bring a new inspiration for developing high energy density LMB.