In Situ Construction of Efficient Interface Layer with Lithiophilic Nanoseeds toward Dendrite-Free and Low N/P Ratio Li Metal Batteries

Abstract

Li metal is considered as one of the most promising candidates for constructing advanced high-energy energy storage due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity and lowest electrochemical potential. However, its practical commercialization is seriously hindered by the challenges of Li dendrite growth, low Coulombic efficiency, and huge volumetric variation. Herein, an efficient in situ generated Li2S-rich interface layer joint with preplanted Sb nano active sites in hosted Li metal anode is easily achieved with the nanosized Sb2S3 decorated carbonaceous network. The yielded CC@Sb2S3@Li anode demonstrates uniform Li deposition, high Coulombic efficiency, and alleviated volumetric variation. Therefore, the Li symmetric cells show ultralong lifespan stable cycling over 3200 cycles with a very low voltage hysteresis (≈18 mV) at 5 mA cm−2. Impressively, the Li|LiFePO4 full cell delivers an exceptionally prolonged cycling over 180 cycles with a superior capacity retention as high as ≈90% even under the harsh condition of an extremely low negative to positive capacity ratio of ≈0.44 with lean electrolyte (4.4 µL mAh−1). Moreover, the Li|LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 full cell also maintains an excellent cycling performance under the more realistic harsh conditions. This work provides a new avenue and significant step paving the Li metal toward the practical application.