In-situ polymerized electrolyte from a bifunctional additive for Li+ bulk phase migration and high-flux interface transport in lithium metal batteries

Abstract

As a promising candidate of next-generation high-energy storage system, lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are still hindered by safety problems mainly derived from the leakage of liquid electrolytes and growth of lithium dendrite. Hence, electrolyte design and modification of electrode interphase become a feasible strategy for future exploitation of LMBs. Critically, bulk phase migration and high-flux interface transport of Li+ present inspiration. Herein, we introduce a bifunctional initiator, antimony trifluoride (SbF3), to in-situ form poly-DOL electrolyte (PDOL, 4 mg SbF3 10DOL-1DME) and build an anode interphase containing LiF and Li3Sb alloy hybrid, of which the system has high ion conductivity (1.404 mS cm−1), required Li+ migration path and intellectualized artificial interphase film. With the guidance of fast charge transport channel and in the effort of interface functionalization, Li+ obtains fast transition channels and high-flux interfacial flow, the batteries with SbF3 display superior cycling stability. It provides an accessible method to manufacture eligible quasi-solid LMBs for improved safety application.