N, S-Rich SEI Derived From Continuously-Releasing Additive for Anode-Free Lithium-Metal Batteries in Commercial Carbonate Electrolyte

Abstract

Featured with the highest possible energy density, anode-free lithium-metal batteries (AFBs) are still challenged by the fast capacity decay, especially for the ones operated in commercial carbonate electrolytes, which can be ascribed to the poor stability and continual broken/formation of the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) formed on the anode side. Here, sacrificial additives, which have low solubility in carbonate electrolytes and can be continuously released, are proposed for AFBs. The sacrificial and continuously-releasing feature gifts the additives the capability to form and heal the SEI during the long-term cycling process, thus minimizing the loss of active Li and enabling the AFLMBs with high loading LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (21.7 mg cm⁻²) cathode a high capacity-retention of 68.9% after 50 cycles in commercial carbonate electrolyte, in contrast to the control cell failed after 30 cycles. This work presents a simple and potential strategy for the practical applications of AFLMBs.