In-Situ Electrodeposition of Nanostructured Carbon Strengthened Interface for Stabilizing Lithium Metal Anode.

The lithium metal anode (LMA) is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for high-energy Li-ion batteries. However, the naturally formed solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is unsatisfied, which would cause continuous dendrite growth and thus prevent the practical application of the LMA. Herein, a stable electrolytic carbon-based hybrid (ECH) artificial SEI is constructed on the LMA via the in-situ electrodeposition of an electrolyte sovlent at ultrahigh voltage. This nanostructured carbon strengthened SEI exhibits much improved ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, which enables uniform Li diffusion, stabilizes the interface between the electrolyte and lithium metal, and inhibits Li dendrite breeding and Li pulverization. With the protection of this ECH layer, the symmetrical cells show stable long-term cycling performance over 500 h with an ultrahigh plating capacity of 5 mAh cm at the current density of 5 mA cm. A full cell assembled with a Li[NiCoMn]O or LiFePO cathode exhibits a long-term cycling life and excellent capacity retention.