Achieving 1300 Wh/L in Anode-Free Li Batteries With Integrated 3D Printed Cathode and Electrolyte

Anode-free Li batteries employing ultra-thick cathodes offer exceptional volumetric energy density, yet are hindered by side reactions and limited Li reservoirs. This study develops an anode-free pouch cell using a 3D-printed ultra-thick cathode (120 mg cm^‒2) and a dual-salt/dual-solvent electrolyte. The electrolyte forms an anion-rich solvation structure, fostering an elastic-plastic solid-electrolyte interphase layer that enables highly reversible Li plating/stripping on bare Cu current collectors and stable prolonged cycling, even under low temperature conditions. The configuration delivers energy densities of 1,308 Wh L^‒1 and 424 Wh kg^‒1, alongside a remarkable areal capacity of 19.11 mAh cm^‒2. This work establishes a scalable and cost-effective technical route for high-energy, safe anode-free batteries, which is expected to expedite their commercialization in electric aviation and the fast-growing low-altitude economy.