Highly Performing Sodium Metal Batteries Reinforced by a Self-Regulated Dual-Layered Solid Electrolyte Interphase via a Metal-Organic Framework.

Sodium-metal batteries, heralded for high energy density and cost-effectiveness, are compromised by an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and dendrite formation, which hinder practical applications. Herein, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework nanostructure coating (ZMOF-NSC) was constructed in a low-loss, flexible manner. Comprehensive studies show that ZMOF-NSC, with its periodically ordered nanochannels and organized pore structures, enhances ion transport and decreases the Na migration energy barrier, thus ensuring uniform ion flux and achieving uniform spherical deposition. Additionally, ZMOF-NSC facilitates partial desolvation, catalyzing the formation of an inorganic-rich, dual-layered SEI that effectively protects the anode and suppresses dendrite formation. Consequently, the ZMOF-NSC@Na symmetric battery exhibits an impressive lifespan of over 2500 h, demonstrating extended operational longevity. The NaV(PO)∥ZMOF-NSC@Na batteries demonstrate exceptional cycling stability with 81% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 10 C, maintaining stability over 3000 cycles at 20 C. Moreover, the NVP∥ZMOF-NSC@Na battery achieves an energy density of 370 Wh kg and a power density of 10,484 W kg, indicating superior durability and performance. This significant finding highlights the significant potential of structured MOFs to induce a dual-layered SEI, advancing the commercialization of durable, dendrite-free sodium metal batteries. The precise design of self-assembled pore structures and surface active sites in MOFs demonstrates significant potential in advancing the commercialization of durable, dendrite-free electrodes of metal-based rechargeable batteries.