A bifunctional ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer protective layer for dendrites-free lithium metal anodes

Lithium metal batteries are strongly considered as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation high-performance battery systems. However, the uncontrollable growth of lithium dendrites and the highly reactive lithium metal result in the severe safety risks and the short lifespan for high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. Here, we demonstrate a hydrophobic and ionically conductive ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer layer can not only endow lithium metal anodes with an air-stable and anti-water surface, but also efficiently suppress the lithium-dendrites growth during the electrochemical cycling process. Therefore, the introduction of the EVA copolymer as a bifunctional protection layer simultaneously improves the anti-water/air performance and electrochemical cycling stability of lithium metal anode.