Achieving High-Power and Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anodes via Interfacial Ion-Transport-Rectifying Pump

Metallic lithium is a fascinating anode for the next-generation energy-dense rechargeable batteries owing to the highest theoretical specific capacity and lowest electrochemical potential. Nevertheless, sluggish desolvation kinetics and notorious dendritic growth hinder its electrochemical performance and safe operation. Herein, an interlamellar Li+ conductor of Ag-montmorillonite (AMMT) is proposed as an interfacial ion-transport-rectifying pump to induce the rapid and reversible plating/stripping of Li metal. Joint experimental and computational analyses reveal that the AMMT pump with negative charge layers and inherent channels can lower the desolvation energy and boost Li+ transport. The resultant Li anode is endowed with a low nucleation barrier (22.2 mV) and dendrite-free features, leading to high plating/stripping density (8 mA cm(-2)) and long lifespan (2500 h). Moreover, the corresponding Li||LiFePO4 batteries achieve a steady circulation (500 cycles@82%, 1 C) with a low N/P ratio. This strategy offers a fresh insight into constructing robust multifunctional electrolyte/Li anode interface for Li metal batteries.

Automated summary

Metallic lithium is a promising anode for next-generation rechargeable batteries, but its sluggish kinetics and dendritic growth limit its performance and safety. In this study, an interlamellar Li+ conductor of Ag-montmorillonite (AMMT) is proposed as an ion-transport pump to enhance the plating/stripping of Li metal. The AMMT pump with negative charge layers and channels lowers the desolvation energy and improves Li+ transport. This strategy offers a new approach for constructing robust electrolyte/Li anode interface for Li metal batteries.