An anion-immobilized composite electrolyte for dendrite-free lithium metal anodes

TLDR

The Li metal electrode offers high theoretical capacity, but uncontrolled dendrite growth poses serious safety risks. The study aims to realize a dendrite‑free Li metal anode by introducing an anion‑immobilized composite solid electrolyte. The composite electrolyte immobilizes anions on polymer chains and ceramic particles, promoting uniform Li‑ion distribution and dendrite‑free deposition. The flexible electrolyte enables all‑solid‑state Li metal batteries with excellent specific capacities and demonstrates a concept for adjusting ion distribution to achieve safe, dendrite‑free Li anodes, paving the way to practical batteries.

Abstract

Significance The Li metal electrode is regarded as a “Holy Grail” anode for next-generation batteries due to its extremely high theoretical capacity and lowest reduction potential. Unfortunately, uncontrolled dendrite growth leads to serious safety issues. This work realizes a dendrite-free Li metal anode by introducing an anion-immobilized composite solid electrolyte, where anions are tethered to polymer chains and ceramic particles. Immobilized anions contribute to uniform distribution of Li ions and dendrite-free Li deposition. The flexible electrolyte can be applied in all–solid-state Li metal batteries with excellent specific capacities. This work demonstrates a concept to adjust ion distribution based on solid-state electrolytes for safe dendrite-free Li anodes, paving the way to practical Li metal batteries.