Simple route to lithium dendrite prevention for long cycle-life lithium metal batteries

Abstract

We report an effective approach to control the growth of li3n nanosheets on lithium anode. Comprehensive density functional theory (dft)-based theoretical studies unveil the favorable growth directions of the li3n nanosheets on li metal substrate. The homogeneous layer of vertically grown li3n nanosheets helps lithium-sulfur batteries to achieve exceptional dynamic as well as static stabilities. At high current rate of 2c (1c = 1672 ma h g–1), a lithium-sulfur battery containing the li3n-passivated li anode exhibits stable cycling performance over 1000 cycles, with average coulombic efficiency of ~ 99.6%. A fully charged lithium-sulfur battery exhibits a highly stable open circuit potential (ocp) over 30 days of resting. Current outcomes open up an encouraging route to stabilize the lithium anode interface for the high-energy rechargeable lithium metal batteries. © 2021 elsevier ltd