In Situ Gelation Polymer Electrolyte for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Batteries by Lewis Acid–Base Interaction

The dendrite and electrolyte leakage of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is the root of their short lifespan and poor safety performance. Solid-state LMBs through in situ solidification represent an important solution strategy. Herein, we demonstrate a solidification approach for LMBs, which is achieved by Lewis acid–base interaction of polyamide and liquid electrolyte. Notably, the polyamide-based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE-PL) effectively mitigates the formation of Li dendrites, thereby preventing short circuits caused by dendrite growth even after cycling for 3500 h. Furthermore, the Li metal anode can remain stable for 1800 h even under commercial capacity of 5 mA cm–2 and 5 mA h cm–2. As a proof of concept, the LFP/GPE-PL/Li pouch cell exhibits superior performance evidenced by a long lifespan of 400 cycles at 1C. The LMBs employing GPE-PL demonstrate superior electrochemical performance and reliable cycling performance. Our work offers promising ways to develop more efficient and safer solid-state LMBs.