Lithium‐Containing Hybrid SEI Layer Enabling High Mass Loading and Anode‐Less Sodium Metal Batteries

Abstract

The continuous rupturing and rebuilding of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer during cycling would block Na⁺ diffusion and induce Na dendrite formation, ultimately limiting the practical application of high-energy-density sodium metal batteries. Herein, a hybrid SEI layer containing Li-species is dexterously constructed on the surface of sodium metal anode. Li-containing inorganic components (Li₃N, LiF, and Li₂CO₃) are introduced to stabilize the Na/electrolyte interface and enhance the mechanical and diffusion kinetic properties of the SEI layer, which can reduce the side reactions and gas generation, regulate Na⁺ flux during cycling and promote rapid Na⁺ migration for uniform dendrite-free Na deposition. As a result, the constructed Na symmetric cells achieve low overpotential and long cycle life of 5900, 1800, and 500 h at current densities of 3, 10, and 30 mA cm^-2, respectively. Furthermore, the full cells paired with the Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode demonstrate high specific capacity and excellent cycle stability, even at an ultra-high cathode loading of 39.3 mg cm^-2 and a low N/P ratio (negative/positive electrode capacity ratio of 1.21).