A high efficiency electrolyte enables robust inorganic–organic solid electrolyte interfaces for fast Li metal anode

Abstract

Developing a high-rate Li metal anode with superior reversibility is a prerequisite for fast-charging Li metal batteries. However, the build-up of large concentration gradients under high current density leads to inhomogeneous Li deposition and unstable passivation layers of Li metal, resulting in lower Coulombic efficiency. Here we report a concentrated dual-salts LiFSI-LiNO3/DOL electrolyte to improve the high-rate performance of Li metal anode. Sufficient Li salts help passivate the fresh Li deposition quickly. Further, DOL contributes to the formation of flexible organic layers that can accommodate the rapid volume change of Li metal upon cycling. Li metal in the electrolyte remains stable over 240 cycles with the average Coulombic efficiency of 99.14% under a high current density of 8.0 mA cm−2.