Ultra-thin and ultra-light self-lubricating layer with accelerated dynamics for anode-free lithium metal batteries

Abstract

Fabricating superior artificial interlayer with ingeniously controlled charge and mass transport channels without compromise in cell mass and volume is urgent but challenging for practical Lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, inspired by Brasenia schreberi, a natural aquatic plant with unique polysaccharides biological channels for lubricating H2O transport, an ultrathin (137 nm) and ultralight (0.1 mg cm−2) self-lubricating ion-confined artificial layer (SLIC) is proposed to improve charge/mass transport of LMBs. A large-scale feasibility roll-to-roll technology coupled with self-assembly of phase-transitioned lysozyme (PTL) was employed to construct the flexible and cost-effective SLIC. The luxurious polar functional groups of PTL favor Li+ transport by facilitating Li+ de-solvation and charge transfer processes, while the unique microporous channels within PTL can regulate the Li+ concentration field and accelerate homogenized mass transport. Therefore, with such unique SLIC, dendrite-free Li plating/stripping was achieved and superior cycle performance for 850 cycles in Li||Cu cells was realized. Furthermore, the SLIC endows pouch cells and coin cells with remarkably improved performance in harsh conditions (high cathode loading, low N/P up to anode-free). More importantly, all processes for preparing such controllable and scalable SLIC film are done in ambient conditions without specific engineering difficulties, showing excellent prospects for practical application.