A versatile reactive layer toward ultra-long lifespan lithium metal anodes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Unstable anode/electrolyte interfaces impede lithium (Li) metal battery development, especially at high rates and capacities.
• Achieving stable cycling requires robust interfaces that prevent dendrite formation and degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile reactive layer for stabilizing Li metal anodes.
• To enhance the performance and longevity of Li metal batteries.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a reactive layer using sulfur-selenium crosslinked polyacrylonitrile brushes via polymer topology design and chemical crosslinking.
• Investigated the layer's ability to form a passivated solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and create 3D lithiophilic porous nanonetworks.
• Tested protected Li anodes in high-loading Li|NCM622 and Li-S cells.

Main Results:

• The reactive layer generated a Li₂S-Li₂Se-containing SEI, promoting rapid and uniform Li-ion flux.
• Achieved dendrite-free Li anodes with ultralong-term stable cycling (>1 year, 4 months) at 10 mA cm⁻².
• Demonstrated stable cycling performance in challenging high-loading and low N/P ratio cell configurations.

Conclusions:

• The developed reactive layer effectively stabilizes Li metal anodes, overcoming critical interface instability issues.
• This approach enables high-rate, high-capacity, and long-cycle-life lithium metal batteries.
• The strategy holds significant promise for advancing next-generation energy storage devices.