Realizing interfacial coupled electron/ion transport through reducing the interfacial oxygen density of carbon skeletons for high-performance lithium metal anodes

Abstract

Lithium plating/stripping occurs at the anode/electrolyte interface which involves the flow of electrons from the current collector and the migration of lithium ions from the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). The dual continuous rapid transport of interfacial electron/ion is required for homogeneous Li deposition. Herein, we propose a strategy to improve the Li metal anode performance by rationally regulating the interfacial electron density and Li ion transport through the SEI film. This key technique involves decreasing the interfacial oxygen density of biomass-derived carbon host by regulating the arrangement of the celluloses precursor fibrils. The higher specific surface area and lower interfacial oxygen density decrease the local current density and ensure the formation of thin and even SEI film, which stabilized Li⁺ transfer through the Li/electrolyte interface. Moreover, the improved graphitization and the interconnected conducting network enhance the surface electronegativity of carbon and enable uninterruptible electron conduction. The result is continuous and rapid coupled interfacial electron/ion transport at the anode/electrolyte reaction interface, which facilitates uniform Li deposition and improves Li anode performance. The Li/C anode shows a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 98% and a long-term lifespan of over 150 cycles at a practical low N/P (negative-to-positive) ratio of 1.44 in full cells.