Design of symbiosis 3D framework interface for long-life lithium metal batteries

Abstract

The application of lithium metal in batteries is constrained due to high nucleation potential and uneven deposition. Here, we reported that cellulose film protects lithium by a facile and low-cost method, suitable for high-voltage cathodes in carbonate electrolytes. The cellulose layer can well accommodate the deposited lithium and eliminate volume change in the lithium depositing/stripping processes. Cellulose layer nanofibers are transferred to the surface of lithium foil to form a compact layer of cellulose and lithium metal symbiosis. This can homogenize Li-ions distribution and apply as the lithium deposition sites, decreasing nucleation over potential. The symbiotic layer on the surface of lithium foil has the fast Li+ transmission performance of Li2CO3 and LiF, good electronic insulator capability and strong affinity for Li+, respectively. As a result, Li symmetric cells using the cellulose protected Li exhibited excellent cycling stability over 220 h at 3 mA cm−2. The full cells assembled with a NMC811 cathode (loading of 2.68 mA h cm−2) exhibited high-rate capability and excellent cycle stability, with capacity retention of 71.2 % at 400 cycles.