Solvation Rule for Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase Enabler in Lithium‐Metal Batteries

Despite the exceptionally high energy density of lithium metal anodes, the practical application of lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs) is still impeded by the instability of the interphase between the lithium metal and the electrolyte. To formulate a functional electrolyte system that can stabilize the lithium‐metal anode, the solvation behavior of the solvent molecules must be understood because the electrochemical properties of a solvent can be heavily influenced by its solvation status. We unambiguously demonstrated the solvation rule for the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) enabler in an electrolyte system. In this study, fluoroethylene carbonate was used as the SEI enabler due to its ability to form a robust SEI on the lithium metal surface, allowing relatively stable LMB cycling. The results revealed that the solvation number of fluoroethylene carbonate must be ≥1 to ensure the formation of a stable SEI in which the sacrificial reduction of the SEI enabler subsequently leads to the stable cycling of LMBs.     

Electrolyte Regulation towards Stable Lithium‐Metal Anodes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile Cathodes

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are highly regarded as the next‐generation energy‐storage devices because of their ultrahigh theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg^?1. Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is considered a promising sulfur cathode to substitute carbon/sulfur (C/S) composites to afford higher Coulombic efficiency, improved cycling stability, and potential high‐energy‐density Li–SPAN batteries. However, the instability of the Li‐metal anode threatens the performances of Li–SPAN batteries bringing limited lifespan and safety hazards. Li‐metal can react with most kinds of electrolyte to generate a protective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), electrolyte regulation is a widely accepted strategy to protect Li‐metal anodes in rechargeable batteries. Herein, the basic principles and current challenges of Li–SPAN batteries are addressed. Recent advances on electrolyte regulation towards stable Li‐metal anodes in Li–SPAN batteries are summarized to suggest design strategies of solvents, lithium salts, additives, and gel electrolyte. Finally, prospects for future electrolyte design and Li anode protection in Li–SPAN batteries are discussed.     

Green Ether Electrolytes for Sustainable High-voltage Potassium Ion Batteries

Ether-based electrolytes are promising for secondary batteries due to their good compatibility with alkali metal anodes and high ionic conductivity. However, they suffer from poor oxidative stability and high toxicity, leading to severe electrolyte decomposition at high voltage and biosafety/environmental concerns when electrolyte leakage occurs. Here, we report a green ether solvent through a rational design of carbon-chain regulation to elicit steric hindrance, such a structure significantly reducing the solvent‘s biotoxicity and tuning the solvation structure of electrolytes. Notably, our solvent design is versatile, and an anion-dominated solvation structure is favored, facilitating a stable interphase formation on both the anode and cathode in potassium-ion batteries. Remarkably, the green ether-based electrolyte demonstrates excellent compatibility with K metal and graphite anode and a 4.2 V high-voltage cathode (200 cycles with average Coulombic efficiency of 99.64 %). This work points to a promising path toward the molecular design of green ether-based electrolytes for practical high-voltage potassium-ion batteries and other rechargeable batteries.     

Revisiting the Electroplating Process for Lithium‐Metal Anodes for Lithium‐Metal Batteries

Electroplating has been studied for centuries, not only in the laboratory but also in industry for machinery, electronics, automobile, aviation, and other fields. The lithium‐metal anode is the Holy Grail electrode because of its high energy density. But the recyclability of lithium‐metal batteries remains quite challenging. The essence of both conventional electroplating and lithium plating is the same, reduction of metal cations. Thus, industrial electroplating knowledge can be applied to revisit the electroplating process for lithium‐metal anodes. In conventional electroplating, some strategies like using additives, modifying substrates, applying pulse current, and agitating electrolyte have been explored to suppress dendrite growth. These methods are also effective in lithium‐metal anodes. Inspired by that, we revisit the fundamental electroplating theory for lithium‐metal anodes in this Minireview, mainly drawing attention to the theory of electroplating thermodynamics and kinetics. Analysis of essential differences between traditional electroplating and plating/stripping of lithium‐metal anodes is also presented. Thus, industrial electroplating knowledge can be applied to the electroplating process of lithium‐metal anodes to improve commercial lithium‐metal batteries and the study of lithium plating/stripping can further enrich the classical electroplating technique.     

Advanced Current Collectors for Alkali Metal Anodes

High-energy-density batteries are in urgent need to solve the ever-increasing energy storage demand for portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable solar and wind energy systems. Alkali metals, typically lithium(Li), sodium(Na) and potassium(K), are considered as the promising anode materials owing to their low electrochemical potential, low density, and high theoretical gravimetric capacities. However, the problem of dendrite growth of alkali metals during their plating/stripping process will lead to low Coulombic efficiencies, a short lifespan and huge volume expansion, eventually hindering their practical commercialization. To resolve this issue, a very effective approach is engineering the anodes on structured current collectors. This review summarizes the development of the alkali metal batteries and discusses the recent advances in rational design of anode current collectors. First, the challenges and strategies of suppressing alkali-metal dendrite growth are presented. Then the special attention is paid to the novel current collector design for dendrite-free alkali metal anodes. Finally, we give conclusions and perspective on the current challenges and future research directions toward advanced anode current collectors for alkali metal batteries.     

Stabilizing Lithium into Cross‐Stacked Nanotube Sheets with an Ultra‐High Specific Capacity for Lithium Oxygen Batteries

Although lithium–oxygen batteries possess a high theoretical energy density and are considered as promising candidates for next‐generation power systems, the enhancement of safety and cycling efficiency of the lithium anodes while maintaining the high energy storage capability remains difficult. Here, we overcome this challenge by cross‐stacking aligned carbon nanotubes into porous networks for ultrahigh‐capacity lithium anodes to achieve high‐performance lithium–oxygen batteries. The novel anode shows a reversible specific capacity of 3656 mAh g^?1, approaching the theoretical capacity of 3861 mAh g^?1 of pure lithium. When this anode is employed in lithium–oxygen full batteries, the cycling stability is significantly enhanced, owing to the dendrite‐free morphology and stabilized solid–electrolyte interface. This work presents a new pathway to high performance lithium–oxygen batteries towards practical applications by designing cross‐stacked and aligned structures for one‐dimensional conducting nanomaterials.     

金属锂负极失效机制及其先进表征技术

尽管传统的石墨负极在商业化锂离子电池中取得了成功,但其理论容量低(372 mAh·g^?1)、本身不含锂的先天缺陷限制了其在下一代高比能量锂电池体系中的应用,特别是在需要锂源的锂-硫和锂-空气电池体系中。金属锂因其极高的理论比容量(3860 mAh·g^?1)和低氧化还原电势(相对于标准氢电极为?3.040 V),被认为是下一代锂电池负极材料的最佳选择之一。但是,金属锂负极存在库伦效率低、循环性能差、安全性差等一系列瓶颈问题亟待解决,而循环过程中锂枝晶的生长、巨大的体积变化、以及电极界面不稳定等是导致这些问题的关键因素。本文综述了近年来关于金属锂负极瓶颈问题及其机理,包括金属锂电极表面固态电解质界面膜的形成,锂枝晶的生长行为,以及惰性死锂的形成。同时,本文还介绍了目前用于研究金属锂负极的先进表征技术,这些技术为研究人员深入认识金属锂负极的失效机制提供了重要信息。     

An odyssey of lithium metal anode in liquid lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries exhibit outstanding energy density and material sustainability. Enormous effects have been devoted to the sulfur cathode to address redox kinetics and polysulfide intermediates shuttle. Recent attentions are gradually turning to the protection of the lithium metal anodes, since electrochemical performances of Li–S batteries are closely linked to the working efficiency of the anode side, especially in pouch cells that adopt stringent test protocols. This Perspective article summarizes critical issues encountered in the lithium metal anode, and outlines possible solutions to achieve efficient working lithium anode in Li–S batteries. The lithium metal anode in Li–S batteries shares the common failure mechanisms of volume fluctuation, nonuniform lithium flux, electrolyte corrosion and lithium pulverization occurring in lithium metal batteries with oxide cathodes, and also experiences unique polysulfide corrosion and massive lithium accumulation. These issues can be partially addressed by developing three-dimensional scaffold, exerting quasi-solid reaction, tailoring native solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and designing artificial SEI. The practical evaluation of Li–S batteries highlights the importance of pouch cell platform, which is distinguished from coin-type cells in terms of lean electrolyte-to-sulfur ratio, thin lithium foil, as well as sizable total capacity and current that are loaded on pouch cells. This Perspective underlines the development of practically efficient working lithium metal anode in Li–S batteries.     

锂金属负极人造保护膜的研究进展

金属锂因其具有极高的理论容量(3860 mAh·g^?1)、最低的电极电位(?3.04 V vs.标准氢电极)和低的密度(0.534 g·cm^?3),被认为是最具潜力的负极材料。但循环过程中不可控的枝晶生长及不稳定的固体电解质相界面膜所引起的安全隐患和电池库伦效率低等问题严重阻碍了锂金属负极的发展。通过在电极表面构建人造保护膜可以有效调控锂离子沉积行为,因此人造保护膜的构建是一种简单高效抑制锂枝晶生长的策略。本综述将从聚合物保护膜、无机保护膜、有机-无机复合保护膜和合金保护膜总结了人造保护膜的构建方法、抑制锂枝晶生长机理,为促进高比能锂金属电池的商业化应用提供借鉴参考作用。     

Electrolyte Solvation Manipulation Enables Unprecedented Room‐Temperature Calcium‐Metal Batteries

Calcium‐metal batteries (CMBs) provide a promising option for high‐energy and cost‐effective energy‐storage technology beyond the current state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, the development of room‐temperature CMBs is significantly impeded by the poor reversibility and short lifespan of the calcium‐metal anode. A solvation manipulation strategy is reported to improve the plating/stripping reversibility of calcium‐metal anodes by enhancing the desolvation kinetics of calcium ions in the electrolyte. The introduction of lithium salt changes the electrolyte structure considerably by reducing coordination number of calcium ions in the first solvation shell. As a result, an unprecedented Coulombic efficiency of up to 99.1 % is achieved for galvanostatic plating/stripping of the calcium‐metal anode, accompanied by a very stable long‐term cycling performance over 200 cycles at room temperature. This work may open up new opportunities for development of practical CMBs.     

Solvation Rule for Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Enabler in Lithium-Metal Batteries

Despite the exceptionally high energy density of lithium metal anodes, the practical application of lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) is still impeded by the instability of the interphase between the lithium metal and the electrolyte. To formulate a functional electrolyte system that can stabilize the lithium-metal anode, the solvation behavior of the solvent molecules must be understood because the electrochemical properties of a solvent can be heavily influenced by its solvation status. We unambiguously demonstrated the solvation rule for the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) enabler in an electrolyte system. In this study, fluoroethylene carbonate was used as the SEI enabler due to its ability to form a robust SEI on the lithium metal surface, allowing relatively stable LMB cycling. The results revealed that the solvation number of fluoroethylene carbonate must be ≥1 to ensure the formation of a stable SEI in which the sacrificial reduction of the SEI enabler subsequently leads to the stable cycling of LMBs.     

4.5 V High‐Voltage Rechargeable Batteries Enabled by the Reduction of Polarization on the Lithium Metal Anode

Lithium metal is used to achieve high‐energy‐density batteries due to its large theoretical capacity and low negative electrochemical potential. The introduction of quasi‐solid electrolytes simultaneously overcomes the safety problems induced by the liquid electrolytes and the high interfacial resistance issues confronted by all solid‐state electrolytes. In‐depth investigations involving interfacial behaviors in quasi‐solid lithium metal batteries are inadequate. Herein an ultrathin Li₃OCl quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte layer (500 nm thickness) is used to cover a lithium anode. The polarization of the anode is remarkably reduced by introducing the Li₃OCl quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte. In contrast to the decomposition of solvents in a standard electrolyte (EC‐DEC,1.0 m LiPF₆), the established quasi‐solid‐state electrolyte interfaces can significantly inhibit the decomposition of solvents when the cut‐off voltage is 4.5 V.     

Enabling High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries by Manipulating Solvation Structure in Ester Electrolyte

Lithium metal is an ideal electrode material for future rechargeable lithium metal batteries. However, the widespread deployment of metallic lithium anode is significantly hindered by its dendritic growth and low Coulombic efficiency, especially in ester solvents. Herein, by rationally manipulating the electrolyte solvation structure with a high donor number solvent, enhancement of the solubility of lithium nitrate in an ester‐based electrolyte is successfully demonstrated, which enables high‐voltage lithium metal batteries. Remarkably, the electrolyte with a high concentration of LiNO₃ additive presents an excellent Coulombic efficiency up to 98.8 % during stable galvanostatic lithium plating/stripping cycles. A full‐cell lithium metal battery with a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode exhibits a stable cycling performance showing limited capacity decay. This approach provides an effective electrolyte manipulation strategy to develop high‐voltage lithium metal batteries.     

多空间尺度下的金属锂负极表征技术

金属锂因为其优秀的特性被认为是未来锂电池负极的最终之选。然而目前金属锂负极在旧有液态体系中的研究陷入瓶颈,在新兴固态体系中的挑战层出不穷。想要实现金属锂负极的实用化,必须加深对金属锂负极基础科学问题的认识。本文系统论述了多空间尺度下金属锂的电极行为与对应的表征技术。首先综述了多空间尺度下金属锂负极的基础科学和应用技术问题,结合近年来的工作,对全空间尺度下的先进表征手段做了梳理,分析了从原子级到宏观尺度各种表征手段的技术特点,并重点讨论了各类表征技术在研究固态体系中金属锂负极时的特点与可能的发展方向。     

Recent Progress and Perspectives of Sodium Metal Anodes for Rechargeable Batteries

Sodium metal anodes have attracted significant attention due to their high specific capacity,low redox potential and abundant resources.However,the dendrites and unstable solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)of sodium anodes restrict the development of sodium metal batteries.This review includes the recent progress on the Na anode protection in sodium metal batteries.The strategies are summarized as modified three-dimensional current collectors,artificial solid electrolyte interphases,and electrolyte modifications.Conclusions and perspectives are envisaged for the further understanding and development of Na metal anodes.     

Highly Reversible and Rechargeable Safe Zn Batteries Based on a Triethyl Phosphate Electrolyte

Zinc metal is an attractive anode material for next‐generation batteries. However, dendrite growth and limited Coulombic efficiency (CE) during cycling are the major roadblocks towards the widespread commercialization of batteries employing Zn anodes. In this work we report the novel adoption of triethyl phosphate (TEP) as a solvent and co‐solvent with aqueous electrolytes to obtain a highly stable and dendrite‐free Zn anode. Stable Zn plating/stripping for over 3000 h was obtained, accompanied by a CE of 99.68 %. SEM images of the Zn anodes revealed highly porous interconnected dendrite‐free Zn deposits. The electrolyte displayed good compatibility with both Zn anodes and potassium copper hexacyanoferrate (KCuHCf) cathodes for Zn ion batteries (ZIBs). The full cell showed a long cycling stability and high rate capability. The present work is a contribution towards cost‐effective and safe battery systems.     

Electrolyte Chemistry Enables Simultaneous Stabilization of Potassium Metal and Alloying Anode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Alloying anodes are promising high‐capacity electrode materials for K‐ion batteries (KIBs). However, KIBs based on alloying anodes suffer from rapid capacity decay due to the instability of K metal and large volume expansion of alloying anodes. Herein, the effects of salts and solvents on the cycling stability of KIBs based on a typical alloying anode such as amorphous red phosphorus (RP) are investigated, and the potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) salt‐based carbonate electrolyte is versatile to achieve simultaneous stabilization of K metal and RP electrodes for highly stable KIBs. This salt‐solvent complex with a moderate solvation energy can alleviate side reactions between K metal and the electrolyte and facilitate K⁺ ion diffusion/desolvation. Moreover, robust SEI layers that form on K metal and RP electrodes can suppress K dendrite growth and resist RP volume change. This strategy of electrolyte regulation can be applicable to other alloying anodes for high‐performance KIBs.     

Facile Generation of Polymer–Alloy Hybrid Layers for Dendrite‐Free Lithium‐Metal Anodes with Improved Moisture Stability

Lithium‐metal anodes are recognized as the most promising next‐generation anodes for high‐energy‐storage batteries. However, lithium dendrites lead to irreversible capacity decay in lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs). Besides, the strict assembly‐environment conditions of LMBs are regarded as a challenge for practical applications. In this study, a workable lithium‐metal anode with an artificial hybrid layer composed of a polymer and an alloy was designed and prepared by a simple chemical‐modification strategy. Treated lithium anodes remained dendrite‐free for over 1000 h in a Li–Li symmetric cell and exhibited outstanding cycle performance in high‐areal‐loading Li–S and Li–LiFePO₄ full cells. Moreover, the treated lithium showed improved moisture stability that benefits from the hydrophobicity of the polymer, thus retaining good electrochemical performance after exposure to humid air.     

柱状金属锂沉积物:电解液添加剂的影响

二次电池的能量密度已成为推动电动汽车和便携式电子产品技术向前发展的重要指标。使用石墨负极的锂离子电池正接近其理论能量密度的天花板,但仍难以满足高端储能设备的需求。金属锂负极因其极高的理论比容量和极低的电极电位,受到了广泛关注。然而,锂沉积过程中枝晶的生长会导致电池安全性差等问题。电解液对金属锂的沉积有着至关重要的影响。本文设计了一种独特的电解槽体系来进行柱状锂的沉积,研究了不同电解液体系(1mol·L^-1LiPF6-碳酸乙烯酯/碳酸二乙酯(EC/DEC,体积比为1:1)、1 mol·L^-1 LiPF6-氟代碳酸乙烯酯(FEC,体积分数5%)-EC/DEC (体积比为1:1))对金属锂沉积的影响。对两种电解液中金属锂沉积物长径比的研究表明,电解液的组分可以显著地影响金属锂的沉积形貌,在加入氟代碳酸乙烯酯(FEC)添加剂之后,柱状锂的直径从0.3–0.6μm增加到0.7–1.3μm,长径比从12.5下降到5.6。长径比的降低有助于减小金属锂和电解液的反应面积,提高金属锂负极的利用率和循环寿命。通过考察循环后锂片的表面化学性质,发现FEC的分解增加了锂表面固态电解质界面层中氟化锂(LiF)组分的比例,提高了界面层中锂离子的扩散速率,减少了锂的成核位点,从而给予锂核更大的生长空间,降低了沉积出的柱状锂的长径比。     

Highly Stable Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Regulating the Solvation of Lithium Ions in Nonaqueous Electrolytes

Safe and rechargeable lithium metal batteries have been difficult to achieve because of the formation of lithium dendrites. Herein an emerging electrolyte based on a simple solvation strategy is proposed for highly stable lithium metal anodes in both coin and pouch cells. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) were concurrently introduced into an electrolyte, thus altering the solvation sheath of lithium ions, and forming a uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), with an abundance of LiF and LiN_xO_y on a working lithium metal anode with dendrite‐free lithium deposition. Ultrahigh Coulombic efficiency (99.96 %) and long lifespans (1000 cycles) were achieved when the FEC/LiNO₃ electrolyte was applied in working batteries. The solvation chemistry of electrolyte was further explored by molecular dynamics simulations and first‐principles calculations. This work provides insight into understanding the critical role of the solvation of lithium ions in forming the SEI and delivering an effective route to optimize electrolytes for safe lithium metal batteries.