Integrating Gel Electrolyte/Anode with Mixed Ionic-Electronic Network for Stable Quasi-Solid-State Lithium Metal...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Interface engineering is critical for high-energy quasi-solid-state lithium metal batteries (QSSLMBs).
• Lithium (Li) deposition during cycling causes mechanical stress, leading to interface failure and battery degradation.
• Achieving rapid ion transport and conversion under high mass loading remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a composite anode that accommodates volume changes and guides uniform Li deposition.
• To suppress lithium dendrite growth and interfacial stress in QSSLMBs.
• To demonstrate the potential of the developed anode for high-energy and durable QSSLMBs.

Main Methods:

• Integration of gel electrolyte into a 3D hollow MXene/Li scaffold composite anode.
• Utilizing lithiophilic sites and curved pore geometry for controlled Li deposition.
• Fabrication and testing of QSSLMBs using LiFePO4 and LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 cathodes.

Main Results:

• The composite anode architecture enabled dynamic volume accommodation and uniform Li deposition within internal cavities.
• Symmetric cells demonstrated over 1750 hours of stable cycling.
• Full cells with LiFePO4 maintained 72.6% capacity after 1000 cycles at 1 C.
• Pouch cells achieved high energy densities of 392 Wh kg−1 (single-layer) and 561 Wh kg−1 (13-layer) with high-loading cathodes.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D hollow MXene/Li scaffold composite anode effectively suppresses dendrite growth and interfacial stress.
• The QSSLMBs exhibit excellent cycling stability and high energy density, showcasing potential for next-generation batteries.
• This interface integration strategy is promising for constructing durable, high-energy quasi-solid-state lithium metal batteries.