A super-lithiophilic nanocrystallization strategy for stable lithium metal anodes

Regulating the surface morphology or physical properties of current collectors, and thus tuning the wettability of liquefied Li toward substrates, is of tremendous interest for stabilizing Li metal anodes. Here we show the wettability of molten Li toward substrates can be tuned by nonreactive surface nanocrystallization strategy. The nanocrystallization structural features result in a surface energy reduction and generation of Laplace pressure, with both factors acting together to achieve a rapid adsorption of Li. The as-obtained Li composite anode exhibits a stable and low voltage hysteresis of less than 20 mV for over 2000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 in a symmetrical cell owing to metal nanoseeds in the 3D scaffold. Equipped with the fabricated Li metal anode, a rechargeable Li metal battery with LiFePO4 cathode that features a high areal capacity of over 3 mA h cm−2 and long cycling stability is achieved. This finding provides a facile and cost-effective strategy for stabilizing Li metal for high-energy batteries.