Ultrastable Anode/Electrolyte Interface in Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries Using LiCux Nanowire Network Host

High interfacial resistance and uncontrollable lithium (Li) dendrite are major challenges in solid-state Li-metal batteries (SSLMBs), as they lead to premature short-circuiting and failure of SSLMBs. Here, we report the synthesis of a composite anode comprising a three-dimensional LiCu_x nanowire network host infiltrated with Li (Li* anode) with low interfacial impedance and superior electrochemical performance. The Li* anode is fabricated by dissolving Cu foil into molten Li followed by solidification. The Li* anode exhibits good wettability with Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂ (LLZTO) and high mechanical strength, rendering low Li*/LLZTO interfacial impedance, homogeneous deposition of Li, and suppression of Li dendrites. Consequently, the Li* anode-based symmetric cells and full cells with LiNi_0.88Co_0.1Al_0.02O₂ (NCA), LiFePO₄ (LFP), and FeF₂ cathodes deliver remarkable electrochemical performance. Specifically, the Li*/LLZTO/Li* symmetrical cell achieves a remarkably long cycle lifetime of 10 000 h with 0.1 mA·cm^-2; the Li*/LLZTO/NCA full cell maintains capacity retention of 73.4% after 500 cycles at 0.5C; and all-solid-state Li*/LLZTO/FeF₂ full cell achieves a reversible capacity of 147 mAh·g^-1 after 500 cycles at 100 mA·g^-1. This work demonstrates potential design tactics for an ultrastable Li*/garnet interface to enable high-performance SSLMBs.