Lithiophilic Multichannel Layer to Simultaneously Control the Li-Ion Flux and Li Nucleation for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries

Although the Li metal has been gaining attention as a promising anode material for the next-generation high-energy-density rechargeable batteries owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh g–1), its practical use remains challenging owing to inherent issues related to Li nucleation and growth. This paper reports the fabrication of a lithiophilic multichannel layer (LML) that enables the simultaneous control of Li nucleation and growth in Li-metal batteries. The LML, composed of lithiophilic ceramic composite nanoparticles (Ag-plated Al2O3 particles), is fabricated using the electroless plating method. This LML provides numerous channels for a uniform Li-ion diffusion on a nonwoven separator. Furthermore, the lithiophilic Ag on the Li metal anode surface facing the LML induces a low overpotential during Li nucleation, resulting in a dense Li deposition. The LML enables the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2|| Li cells to maintain a capacity higher than 75% after 100 cycles, even at high charge/discharge rates of 5.0 C at a cutoff voltage of 4.4 V, and achieve an ultrahigh energy density of 1164 Wh kg–1. These results demonstrate that the LML is a promising solution enabling the application of Li metal as an anode material in the next-generation Li-ion batteries.