Scalable Synthesis of Nano‐Sized Bi for Separator Modifying in 5V‐Class Lithium Metal Batteries and Potassium Ion Batteries Anodes
Huiyu Jiang, Xiaohang Lin, Chuanliang Wei, Jinkui Feng, Xuelei Tian
Abstract
With the advantages of high theoretical-specific capacity and lowest working potential, lithium metal anode is considered as the most promising anode for next-generation batteries. Here, a scalable dealloying method is developed to prepare nano-sized bismuth (Bi). It is found that the Bi-modification can not only enhance the wettability of the commercial polyethylene separator but also suppresses the lithium dendrite growth. With the nano-sized Bi modified separator, 5V-class lithium metal batteries with commercial carbonate-based electrolyte show a 91% capacity retention ratio after 800 cycles. First-principle calculations prove that lithium atoms tend to deposit smoothly on the Bi surface. Moreover, for potassium ion batteries, nano-sized Bi shows a stable cycling performance and high capacity. The results may be useful for the development of high-energy and high-safety batteries.