Lithium-Containing Hybrid SEI Layer Enabling High Mass Loading and Anode-Less Sodium Metal Batteries

The continuous rupturing and rebuilding of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer during cycling would block Na⁺ diffusion and induce Na dendrite formation, ultimately limiting the practical application of high-energy-density sodium metal batteries. Herein, a hybrid SEI layer containing Li-species is dexterously constructed on the surface of sodium metal anode. Li-containing inorganic components (Li₃N, LiF, and Li₂CO₃) are introduced to stabilize the Na/electrolyte interface and enhance the mechanical and diffusion kinetic properties of the SEI layer, which can reduce the side reactions and gas generation, regulate Na⁺ flux during cycling and promote rapid Na⁺ migration for uniform dendrite-free Na deposition. As a result, the constructed Na symmetric cells achieve low overpotential and long cycle life of 5900, 1800, and 500 h at current densities of 3, 10, and 30 mA cm^-2, respectively. Furthermore, the full cells paired with the Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode demonstrate high specific capacity and excellent cycle stability, even at an ultra-high cathode loading of 39.3 mg cm^-2 and a low N/P ratio (negative/positive electrode capacity ratio of 1.21).