Multifunctional interfacial and structural anode for dendrite-free lithium metal-based batteries

Lithium (Li) metal is considered as the candidate for the next generation of Li metal battery (LMB) anodes due to its high capacity and the lowest potential, which is expected to meet the requirements of energy storage devices. Unfortunately, the uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites during the charge/discharge process, as well as the resulting problems of poor cycling stability, low coulomb efficiency and safety risk, has restricted the commercialization of Li anode. Herein, an in-situ interfacial film containing three-dimensional (3D) rod-like micron-structure silver (Ag) is constructed on the surface of the Li metal. Due to the 3D rod-like micron-structure used to homogenize the distribution of current density, achieving uniform nucleation and growth of electrodeposited Li, the produced Li-Ag alloy was employed to restrain the formation of “dead” Li and the in-situ formed LiNO₃ was utilized to facilitate the stability of solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) film, so the growth of dendritic Li is suppressed via the synergistic effect of structure and surface chemistry regulation. The obtained Li anode can achieve cycling stability at a high current density of 10 mA/cm². This work considers multiaspect factors inducing uniform Li electrodeposition, and provides new insights for the commercialization of LMB.