Functional Laminated Fiber Scaffold Based on Titanium Monoxide for Lithium Metal-Based Batteries

Lithium metal-based rechargeable batteries are attracting increasing attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity and energy density. However, the dendrite growth leads to short circuits or even explosions and rapid depletion of active materials and electrolytes. Here, a functionalized and laminated scaffold (PVDF/TiO@C fiber) based on lithiophilic titanium monoxide is rationally designed to inhibit dendrite growth. Specifically, the bottom TiO@C fiber sublayer provides rich Li nucleation sites and facilitates the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase. Together with the top lithiophobic PVDF sublayer, the prepared freestanding scaffold can effectively suppress the growth of Li dendrite and ensure stable Li plating/stripping. Based on the dendrite-free deposition, the Li/PVDF/TiO@ C fiber anode enables over 1000 h at a current density of 1 mA cm-2 in a symmetrical cell and delivers superior electrochemical performance in both Li || LFP and Li-S batteries. The functional laminated fiber scaffold design provides essential insights for obtaining high-performance lithium metal anodes. The dendrite growth of lithium metal-based rechargeable batteries leads to short circuits or even explosions and rapid depletion of active materials and electrolytes. A functionalized and laminated scaffold (PVDF/TiO@C fiber) is rationally designed through the superposition of different electrospun fibers, aiming to inhibit dendrite growth under the synergistic effect of lithiophobic PVDF sublayer and the bottom TiO component.image

Automated summary

Lithium metal-based rechargeable batteries have the potential for high capacity and energy density, but dendrite growth poses a major problem. In this study, a functionalized and laminated scaffold has been designed to inhibit dendrite growth and achieve stable lithium plating/stripping. The scaffold shows excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries and provides valuable insights for high-performance lithium metal anodes.