Covalent Organic Framework Fiber-Constructed Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer: Facilitated Uniform Deposition of Li+ and Encapsulated Li Dendrite

Due to ultrahigh theoretical capacity and ultralow redox poteneial, lithium metal is considered as a promising anode material. However, uneven lithium deposition, uncontrollable lithium dendrite formation, and fragile solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) lead to low lithium utilization, rapid capacity decay, and poor cycle performance. Herein, a robust artificial SEI film by coating the lithium surface with fibrous covalent organic framework (Fib-COF) was constructed, which effectively prevented dendrite penetration and battery short-circuits. Experimental results demonstrated that the Fib-COF-decorated batteries showcased higher Coulombic efficiency (CE), extended cycling stability, and superior electrolyte compatibility. The strong affinity of the carbonyl group in Fib-COF towards Li+ contributes to facilitating the Li+ uniform transfer and nucleation. In situ optical microscopy dynamically revealed the formation process of dendrite-free interphase under the function of Fib-COF layer. As a result, the modified Li anode demonstrated remarkable cycle stability for more than 650 h at 20 mA cm–2 and 5 mAh cm–2 in ether-based electrolyte and 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm–2 and 0.5 mAh cm–2 in carbonate-based electrolyte. The dendrite-free Fib-COF@Li electrodes endowed higher specific capacities of 650 mAh g–1 for Fib-COF@Li|S full cell after 250 cycles and 120 mAh g–1 for Fib-COF @Li|LiFePO4 full cells after 300 cycles.