Touch Ablation of Lithium Dendrites via Liquid Metal for High-Rate and Long-Lived Batteries

High energy density lithium (Li) metal batteries have attracted great attention, but they are faced with challenges of cycling instability and safety hazards. Due to high activity and drastic volume changes of metallic Li, potential dendritic risks cannot be fully eliminated. Therefore, suppressing already existing Li dendrites must be evaluated. In addition, Li-active solids alloying with Li always face mechanical instability and fractures with cycling. Herein, we present touch ablation of dendrites by liquid metal, namely forming a defense layer on the electrode to directly react with the dendrites. Embrittlement, supercooling, and other liquid characteristics make the liquid gallium (Ga) exhibit continuous and reversible reactions with Li. The unique layout with a hierarchical porous structure inhibits upward growth of the dendrites. The protected Li parallel to Li cells achieve stable cyclic performance even at 10 mA cm(-2) and a large capacity of 5 mA h cm(-2).

Automated summary

The research shows that using liquid metal to touch and eliminate dendrites can suppress the cycling instability and safety hazards of lithium metal batteries, achieving stable cyclic performance. By forming a defense layer on the electrode, liquid gallium reacts continuously and reversibly with lithium metal, successfully removing dendrites and preventing instability issues in lithium batteries.