Mitigating Concentration Polarization through Acid–Base Interaction Effects for Long-Cycling Lithium Metal Anodes
Junmou Du, Xiangrui Duan, Wenyu Wang, Guocheng Li, Chunhao Li, Yuchen Tan, Mintao Wan, Zhi Wei Seh, Li Wang, Yongming Sun
Abstract
Lithium (Li) metal has attracted great attention as a promising high-capacity anode material for next-generation high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. Nonuniform Li + transport and uneven Li plating/stripping behavior are two key factors that deteriorate the electrochemical performance. In this work, we propose an interphase acid–base interaction effect that could regulate Li plating/stripping behavior and stabilize the Li metal anode. ZSM-5, a class of zeolites with ordered nanochannels and abundant acid sites, was employed as a functional interface layer to facilitate Li + transport and mitigate the cell concentration polarization. As a demonstration, a pouch cell with a high-areal-capacity LiNi 0.95 Co 0.02 Mn 0.03 O 2 cathode (3.7 mAh cm –2 ) and a ZSM-5 modified thin lithium anode (50 μm) delivered impressive electrochemical performance, showing 92% capacity retention in 100 cycles (375.7 mAh). This work reveals the effect of acid–base interaction on regulating lithium plating/stripping behaviors, which could be extended to developing other high-performance alkali metal anodes.