Li⁺ Ion-Dipole Interaction-Enabled a Dynamic Supramolecular Elastomer Interface Layer for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Unstable lithium/electrolyte interfaces impede lithium metal battery (LMB) performance, particularly in carbonate electrolytes.
• Dendrite growth and poor cycling efficiency are major challenges for practical LMB deployment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel interface layer for enhancing the stability of lithium metal anodes in LMBs.
• To investigate the mechanism of interfacial stabilization through ion-dipole interactions and dynamic network properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dynamic supramolecular elastomer (DSE) interface layer.
• Characterization of the DSE layer's interaction with lithium metal and electrolyte.
• Electrochemical testing of symmetric Li||Li cells and full cells with LFP and NMC811 cathodes.

Main Results:

• The DSE layer spontaneously forms strong Li+ ion-dipole interactions with reduced Li metal.
• The DSE structure facilitates fast Li+ transport and promotes the formation of beneficial solid electrolyte interphase components (Li3N, Li2S).
• Symmetric Li||Li cells demonstrated over 6000 h of stable cycling; full cells showed high efficiency and stability even under demanding conditions.

Conclusions:

• The DSE interface layer effectively enhances interfacial stability and suppresses dendrite growth in LMBs.
• The ion-dipole interaction and dynamic network properties of the DSE are key to achieving stable and high-performance lithium metal anodes.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing next-generation high-energy-density lithium metal batteries.