Simultaneously Regulating Lithium Ion Flux and Surface Activity for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anodes

Li dendrite growth due to uncontrolled Li plating/stripping processes has been a challenge for the application of Li metal anodes in high energy secondary batteries. A novel strategy is proposed in this work to address this issue, which is based on simultaneously regulating Li ion (Li+) flux and Li metal surface activity by a terpolymer cladding that orients the Li+ flux and mitigates the side reactions for Li plating/striping. This cladding provides the Li anode with dendrite-free surface morphology and enhanced electrochemical performances. Stable cycling of 800 and 1400 h is achieved for Li symmetric cells in carbonate-based and ether-based electrolytes, respectively. In addition, the asymmetric Li–LiFePO4 and Li–sulfur cells attain a prolonged cycle lifespan with reduced interfacial resistance after cycling. These performances might be further improved by more delicately designing the polymer structure and assembling the cladding, which might help fulfill the practical applications of Li anodes in high energy batteries.