Sulfur-containing polydimethylsiloxane polymer enables stable lithium metal anodes for lithium sulfur batteries at room and low temperature

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery has garnered worldwide attention as the promising energy storage devices, owing to its significant energy density . Nevertheless, safety apprehensions and deficient cycling constancy of lithium (Li) anode, arising from unbridled Li dendrite growth, have conspicuously impeded its commercialization. Herein, we propose a sulfur-containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-ALA) polymer, consisting of PDMS moieties and -S-S- moieties to enhance the stability of Li metal anodes . The PDMS-ALA polymer facilitates to form a stable hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which functions as a robust protective layer and ionic conductor, guaranteeing uniform Li-ion flux and deposition while further restraining Li dendrite growth. Consequently, both the PDMS-ALA-modified symmetric Li-Li cells and asymmetric Li-Cu cells demonstrated a more stable and prolonged Li stripping/plating process with lower overpotential compared to the pristine cells. More importantly, the PDMS-ALA-modified Li-S cells manifest superior electrochemical performance at both room temperature and low temperatures in comparison to the pristine system. Therefore, utilizing PDMS-ALA to stabilize the Li anode represents an effective solution to the challenges associated with anodes, facilitating the practical application and commercial viability of lithium metal batteries . • A sulfur-containing polydimethylsiloxane polymer is proposed to stablize Li anode. • The polymer facilitates to form a stable hybrid SEI layer on Li anode surface. • The formed SEI enhances Li-ion penetration and mitigates Li dendrite growth. • The modified cells exhibit improved electrochemical performances at low temperatures.