Overcoming Li⁺ Transport Hysteresis via Bio-Inspired Neuron-Like 3D Carbon Framework Engineering for Stable Li Metal Anode.

Abstract

Li metal is a promising anode for next-generation batteries owing to its ultrahigh specific capacity and low redox potential, yet practical use is hampered by dendrite formation and large volume fluctuations. Composite Li anodes can spatially confine active Li, but their cycling durability remains limited by uncontrolled interfacial Li⁺ transport. Inspired by the rapid signal conduction of biological neurons, we develop a lithiophilic, neuron-like 3D carbon framework derived from an N-rich melamine polymer as an advanced Li host. This architecture provides continuous, low-hysteresis Li⁺ transport pathways, while abundant N dopants create uniformly distributed nucleation sites and mitigate plating/stripping-induced strain. As a result, the composite anode achieves 98.6% Coulombic efficiency over 800 cycles in half cells and stable cycling for 2000 h in symmetric cells, with full cells showing excellent retention at low N/P ratios. This work offers a cost-effective strategy for regulating interfacial Li⁺ transport in Li anodes.