Ultrahigh-capacity and dendrite-free lithium metal anodes enabled by lithiophilic bimetallic oxides

The commercialization of lithium (Li) metal anodes is greatly hindered by dendritic Li growth, infinite volume change, dead Li, and a fragile solid electrolyte interphase. A series of bimetallic oxides, including ZnMn2O4, ZnCo2O4, and NiCo2O4 are developed as a new class of lithiophilic materials for stable Li metal anodes. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of different metal cations, the bimetallic oxide modified carbon cloths demonstrate impressive capabilities in suppressing dendritic Li growth at high areal capacities up to 20 mA h cm(-2). Compared with the monometallic oxide modified hosts, ZnMn2O4@CC exhibits a much longer lifespan up to 1900 h at a high current density/areal capacity of 10 mA cm(-2)/10 mA h cm(-2). When paired with LiFePO4, the full cell could maintain a capacity retention capability of 89.4% after 350 cycles at 2 C. The bimetallic oxide-based lithiophilic materials can not only boost practical Li metal batteries, but also shed light on other lithiophilic classes such as bimetallic sulfides/selenides.

Automated summary

This article introduces a new type of bimetallic oxide material for stabilizing lithium metal anodes. This material can effectively suppress the growth of dendritic lithium at high areal capacities and has a longer lifespan. In addition, the pairing with LiFePO4 helps maintain a higher battery capacity.