Intelligent Strategy of Lithium Metal Reconstruction through Generation of a Protective Layer and Regulating Lithium Deposition.

Wang, Xiaoyi; Liu, Cheng; Zhang, Shaojie; Sun, Jie · Nano Lett · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Lithium metal has been considered as the most promising anode for next-generation batteries. However, its high reactivity with electrolyte and the growth of lithium dendrites hamper the application of lithium metal-based batteries. Herein, we demonstrate that lithium polyphosphides (Li<sub><i>x</i></sub>PPs) can be dissolved in diethyl carbonate (DEC) and used as a reconditioner for generating a protective layer and regulating deposition of the Li metal anode. Since Li<sub><i>x</i></sub>PPs are reduced prior to Li deposition in the lithiation process, their product can be a uniform and tight layer at the surface of the Li metal. The in situ-formed protection layer has superhigh Li ionic conductivity, and its thickness can be easily controlled by tuning the amount of Li<sub><i>x</i></sub>PPs, thus facilitating the interface stability. The Li-Li symmetry batteries show stable cycling performance at 2 mA cm<sup>-2</sup> and 1 mAh cm<sup>-2</sup> over 5000 h. Interestingly, it exhibits a self-healing function on scratched Li metal.