Lithium metal anode with lithium borate layer for enhanced cycling stability of lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal is one of the most promising next generation anode materials to make a leap of the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, lithium metal has fatal problems to overcome in cycling stability and safety. In this study, lithium metal is pre-treated to form a lithium borate layer (LBL) on the surface to suppress dendritic growth of lithium and stabilize the interface between the carbonate-based electrolyte and anode. The pre-treated lithium metal greatly enhances the cycling stability of the cells (Li || Li symmetric and LiMn2O4 (LMO) || Li cells). Especially, cycling test with the LMO || Li cell reveals the pre-treatment with boric acid is more effective approach than addition of boric acid in the electrolyte because water is continuously generated during charge/discharge in the latter case and it causes side reactions and degrades the cycling performance. The LBL along with LiF stabilizes the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer and suppresses the dendritic growth of lithium. Due to the lithium-ion conducting ability of lithium borate, the pre-treated lithium anode also shows lower interfacial resistance than the pristine lithium and enhances rate capability. [Display omitted] •Lithium borate layer (LBL) is formed on the surface of lithium metal anode.•The LBL is formed simply by immersing the lithium metal in a boric acid solution.•The lithium metal with LBL shows stable cycling in a carbonate-based electrolyte.•The LBL lowers and stabilizes interfacial resistance of the lithium metal anode.•The benefit of the LBL is also confirmed by cycling of a LiCoO2 .|| Li cell.