Viability of all-solid-state lithium metal battery coupled with oxide solid-state electrolyte and high-capacity cathode

Owing to the utilization of lithium metal as anode with the ultrahigh theoretical capacity density of 3860 mA h g^(-1)and oxide-based ceramic solid-state electrolytes(SE),e.g.,garnet-type Li7La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12)(LLZO),all-state-state lithium metal batteries(ASLMBs)have been widely accepted as the promising alternatives for providing the satisfactory energy density and safety.However,its applications are still challenged by plenty of technical and scientific issues.In this contribution,the co-sintering temperature at 500℃is proved as a compromise method to fabricate the composite cathode with structural integrity and declined capacity fading of LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O_(2)(NCM).On the other hand,it tends to form weaker grain boundary(GB)inside polycrystalline LLZO at inadequate sintering temperature for LLZO,which can induce the intergranular failure of SE during the growth of Li filament inside the unavoidable defect on the interface of SE.Therefore,increasing the strength of GB,refining the grain to 0.4μm,and precluding the interfacial defect are suggested to postpone the electro-chemo-mechanical failure of SE with weak GB.Moreover,the advanced sintering techniques to lower the co-sintering temperature for both NCM-LLZO composite cathode and LLZO SE can be posted out to realize the viability of state-of-the-art ASLMBs with higher energy density as well as the guaranteed safety.

A fast ionic transport copolymeric network for stable quasi-solid lithium metal battery

Solid-state lithium(Li) metal batteries overwhelm the lithium-ion batteries by harvesting high energy from Li metal anode with ultrahigh capacities and gaining excellent safety from solid electrolytes.However,the uncontrollable solvents in solid electrolytes usually aggravate poor interfacial contact with lithium metal anode and deteriorate Li^(+) pathways.Here a copolymeric network-structured ion conductor by rationally integrating cellulose nanofibril as a two-in-one functional material is employed to anchor the solvent.Taking advantages of tightly anchoring of cellulose nanofibril to solvent,the asconstructed quasi-solid polymer-based electrolyte offers rapid Li^(+) transport channels and realizes effective Li-dendrite suppression,which enables high ionic conductivity of 1.93 × 10^(-3)S cm^(-1) at room temperature,long-term Li plating/stripping over 1900 h,and high capacity retention of 99%.This work provides a fresh strategy for creating solid electrolytes that meet both high ionic conductivity and interfacial stability requirements for practical solid-state lithium metal battery.

Dependence of lithium metal battery performances on inherent separator porous structure regulation

Boosting of rechargeable lithium metal batteries(LMBs) holds challenges because of lithium dendrites germination and high-reactive surface feature.Separators may experience structure-determined chemical deterioration and worsen Li plating-stripping behaviors when smoothly shifting from lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) to LMBs.This study precisely regulations the crystal structure of β-polypropylene and separator porous construction to investigate the intrinsic porous structure and mechanical properties determined electrochemical performances and cycling durability of LMBs.Crystal structure characterizations,porous structure analyses,and electrochemical cycling tests uncover appropriate annealing thermal stimulation concentrates β-lamellae thickness and enhances lamellae thermal stability by rearranging molecular chain in inferior β-lamellae,maximally homogenizing biaxial tensile deformation and resultant porous constructions.These even pores with high connectivity lower ion migration barriers,alleviate heterogeneous Li^(+) flux dispersion,stabilize reversible Li plating-stripping behaviors,and hinder coursing and branching of Li dendrites,endowing steady cell cycling durability,especially at higher currents due to the highlighted uncontrollable cumulation of dead Li,which offers new insights for the current pursuit of high-power density battery and fast charging technology.The suggested separator structure-chemical nature functions in ensuring cyclic cell stability and builds reliable relationships between separator structure design and practical LMBs applications.

High-performance all-solid-state polymer electrolyte with fast conductivity pathway formed by hierarchical structure polyamide 6 nanofiber for lithium metal battery

The utilization of all-solid-state electrolytes is considered to be an effective way to enhance the safety performance of lithium metal batteries.However,the low ionic conductivity and poor interface compatibility greatly restrict the development of all-solid-state battery.In this study,a composite electrolyte combining the electrospun polyamide 6(PA6)nanofiber membrane with hierarchical structure and the polyethylene oxide(PEO)polymer is investigated.The introduction of PA6 nanofiber membrane can effectively reduce the crystallinity of the polymer,so that the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte can be enhanced.Moreover,it is found that the presence of finely branched fibers in the hierarchical structure PA6 membrane allows the polar functional groups(C=O and N-H bonds)to be fully exposed,which provides sufficient functional sites for lithium ion transport and helps to regulate the uniform deposition of lithium metal.Moreover,the hierarchical structure can enhance the mechanical strength(9.2 MPa)of the electrolyte,thereby effectively improving the safety and cycle stability of the battery.The prepared Li/Li symmetric battery can be stably cycled for 1500 h under 0.3 mA cm^(-2) and 60℃.This study demonstrates that the prepared electrolyte has excellent application prospects in the next generation all-solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Block copolymer electrolyte with adjustable functional units for solid polymer lithium metal battery

Solid polymer electrolytes have been considered as the promising candidates to improve the safety and stability of high-energy lithium metal batteries.However,the practical applications of solid polymer electrolytes are still limited by the low ionic conductivity,poor interfacial contact with electrodes,narrow electrochemical window and weak mechanical strength.Here,a series of novel block copolymer electrolytes with three-dimensional networks are designed by cross-linked copolymerization of the polyethylene glycol soft segments and hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer hard segments.Their ionic migration performances and interface compatibilities with Li metal anode have been optimized delicately by tailoring the ratio of these functional units.The optimized block copolymer electrolyte has shown an amorphous crystalline structure,a high ionic conductivity of ~5.7×10^(-4)S cm^(-1),high lithium ion transference number(~0.49),wide electrochemical window up to ~4.65 V(vs.Li+/Li) and favorable mechanical strength at 55℃.Furthermore,the enhanced interface compatibility can well support the normal operations of lithium metal batteries using both LiFePO4 and LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathodes.This study not only paves a new way to develop solid polymer electrolyte with optimizing functional units,but also provides a polymer electrolyte design strategy for the application demand of lithium metal battery.

Dendrite‑Free and Stable Lithium Metal Battery Achieved by a Model of Stepwise Lithium Deposition and Stripping

The uncontrolled formation of lithium(Li)dendrites and the unnecessary consumption of electrolyte during the Li plating/stripping process have been major obstacles in developing safe and stable Li metal batteries.Herein,we report a cucumber-like lithiophilic composite skeleton(CLCS)fabricated through a facile oxidationimmersion-reduction method.The stepwise Li deposition and stripping,determined using in situ Raman spectra during the galvanostatic Li charging/discharging process,promote the formation of a dendrite-free Li metal anode.Furthermore,numerous pyridinic N,pyrrolic N,and CuxN sites with excellent lithiophilicity work synergistically to distribute Li ions and suppress the formation of Li dendrites.Owing to these advantages,cells based on CLCS exhibit a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.3%for 700 cycles and an improved lifespan of 2000 h for symmetric cells.The full cells assembled with LiFePO_(4)(LFP),SeS_(2) cathodes and CLCS@Li anodes demonstrate high capacities of 110.1 mAh g^(−1) after 600 cycles at 0.2 A g^(−1) in CLCS@Li|LFP and 491.8 mAh g^(−1) after 500 cycles at 1 A g^(−1) in CLCS@Li|SeS2.The unique design of CLCS may accelerate the application of Li metal anodes in commercial Li metal batteries.

A lithiated gel polymer electrolyte with superior interfacial performance for safe and long-life lithium metal battery

Rechargeable lithium metal batteries(LMBs)have gained much attention recently.However,the short lifespan and safety issues restrict their commercial applications.Here we report a novel gel polymer electrolyte(GPE)based on lithiated poly(vinyl chloride-r-acrylic acid)(PVCAALi)to realize dendritesuppressing and long-term stable lithium metal cycling.PVC chains ensure the quick gelation process and high electrolyte uptake,and lithiated PAA segments enable the increase of mechanical strength,acceleration of lithium-ion transmission and improvement of interfacial compatibility.PVCAALi GPE showed much higher mechanical strength compared with other free-standing GPEs in previous works.It displays a superior ionic conductivity of 1.50 m S cm^(-1) and a high lithium-ion transference number of 0.59 at room temperature.Besides,the lithiated GPE exhibits excellent interfacial compatibility with lithium metal anodes.Lithium symmetrical cells with PVCAALi GPE yield low hysteresis of 50 m V over1000 h at 1.0 m A cm^(-2).And the possible mechanism of the lithiated GPE with improved lithium-ion transfer and interfacial property was discussed.Accordingly,both the Li4Ti5O12/Li and lithium-sulfur(Li-S)cells assembled with PVCAALi GPE show outstanding electrochemical performance,retaining high discharge capacities of 133.8 m Ah g^(-1) and 603.8 m Ah g^(-1) over 200 cycles,respectively.This work proves excellent application potential of the highly effective and low-cost PVCAALi GPE in safe and long-life LMBs.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of garnet-based solid-state lithium metal battery with modified anodic and cathodic interfaces

Due to high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical window,the garnet solid electrolyte is considered as the most promising candidate electrolyte for solid-state lithium metal batteries.However,the high contact impedance between metallic lithium and the garnet solid electrolyte surface seriously hampers its further application.In this work,a Li-(ZnO)_(x)anode is prepared by the reaction of zinc oxide with metallic lithium and in situ coated on the surface of Li_(6.8)La_(3)Zr_(1.8)Ta_(0.2)O_(12)(LLZTO).The anode can be perfectly bound to the surface of LLZTO solid electrolyte,and the anode/electrolyte interfacial resistance was reduced from 2319 to 33.75Ω·cm^(2).The Li-(ZnO)_(0.15)|LLZTO|Li-(ZnO)_(0.15) symmetric battery exhibits a stable Li striping/plating process during charge-discharging at a constant current density of0.1 m A·cm;for 100 h at room temperature.Moreover,a Li-(ZnO)_(0.15)|LLZTO-SPE|LFP full battery,comprised of a polyethylene oxide-based solid polymer electrolyte(SPE)film as an interlayer between LiFePO4(LFP)cathode and LLZTO solid electrolyte,presents an excellent performance at 60℃.The discharge capacity of the full battery reaches 140 mA·h·g^(-1)at 0.1 C and the capacity attenuation is less than3%after 50 cycles.

Formatted PVDF in lamellar composite solid electrolyte for solidstate lithium metal battery

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)hold great application potential for solid-state lithium metal battery because of the excellent interfacial contact and processibility,but being hampered by the poor room-temperature conductivity(~10^(−7)S·cm^(−1))and low lithium-ion transference number(tLi+).Here,a lamellar composite solid electrolyte(Vr-NH_(2)@polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)LCSE)withβ-conformation PVDF is fabricated by confining PVDF in the interlayer channel of-NH_(2)modified vermiculite lamellar framework.We demonstrate that the conformation of PVDF can be manipulated by the nanoconfinement effect and the interaction from channel wall.The presence of-NH_(2)groups could induce the formation ofβ-conformation PVDF through electrostatic interaction,which serves as continuous and rapid lithium-ion transfer pathway.As a result,a high room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.77×10^(−4)S·cm^(−1)is achieved,1-2 orders of magnitude higher than most SPEs.Furthermore,Vr-NH_(2)@PVDF LCSE shows a high tLi+of 0.68 because of the high dielectric constant,~3 times of that of PVDF SPE,and surpassing most of reported SPEs.The LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)||Li cell assembled by Vr-NH_(2)@PVDF LCSE obtains a discharge specific capacity of 137.1 mAh·g^(−1)after 150 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 93%at 1 C and 25℃.This study may pave a new avenue for high-performance SPEs.

Modification of Li Anode with Perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane to Enhance the Performance of Lithium Metal Battery

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the surface of lithium metal anodes can dictate the electrochemical performance of lithium-metal-based batteries. Due to ineffective adhesion, the natural SEI layer may detach from the lithium negative electrode during interface fluctuations, thereby deteriorating the electrochemical performance of lithium-metal-based batteries. This work introduces perfluorosiloxane coupling agents as interfacial adhesion promoters, chemically bonding and physically entangling the lithium metal with the SEI via the formation of Li-O-Si bonds with the inorganic reactive groups anchoring to the Li substrate and the organic functional groups participating in the formation of the SEI layer, thus binding with its components. Lithium metal batteries modified with silane coupling agents exhibit superior electrochemical performance compared to unmodified lithium metal batteries. The modified lithium metal battery retains a specific capacity of 162 mAh/g after 200 cycles, while the unmodified lithium metal battery only retains 140 mAh/g.

From Liquid to Solid‑State Lithium Metal Batteries:Fundamental Issues and Recent Developments

The widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries has been driven by the proliferation of portable electronic devices and electric vehicles,which have increasingly stringent energy density requirements.Lithium metal batteries(LMBs),with their ultralow reduction potential and high theoretical capacity,are widely regarded as the most promising technical pathway for achieving high energy density batteries.In this review,we provide a comprehensive overview of fundamental issues related to high reactivity and migrated interfaces in LMBs.Furthermore,we propose improved strategies involving interface engineering,3D current collector design,electrolyte optimization,separator modification,application of alloyed anodes,and external field regulation to address these challenges.The utilization of solid-state electrolytes can significantly enhance the safety of LMBs and represents the only viable approach for advancing them.This review also encompasses the variation in fundamental issues and design strategies for the transition from liquid to solid electrolytes.Particularly noteworthy is that the introduction of SSEs will exacerbate differences in electrochemical and mechanical properties at the interface,leading to increased interface inhomogeneity—a critical factor contributing to failure in all-solidstate lithium metal batteries.Based on recent research works,this perspective highlights the current status of research on developing high-performance LMBs.

Postmortem ^(7)Li NMR analysis for assessing the reversibility of lithium metal electrodes in lithium metal batteries

Despite the proficiency of lithium(Li)-7 NMR spectroscopy in delineating the physical and chemical states of Li metal electrodes,challenges in specimen preparation and interpretation impede its progress.In this study,we conducted a comprehensive postmortem analysis utilizing ^(7)Li NMR,employing a stan-dard magic angle spinning probe to examine protective-layer coated Li metal electrodes and LiAg alloy electrodes against bare Li metal electrodes within Li metal batteries(LMBs).Our investigation explores the effects of sample burrs,alignment with the magnetic field,the existence of liquid electrolytes,and precycling on the ^(7)Li NMR signals.Through contrasting NMR spectra before and after cycling,we identi-fied alterations in Li^(0) and Li^(+) signals attributable to the degradation of the Li metal electrode.Our NMR analyses decisively demonstrate the efficacy of the protective layer in mitigating dendrite and solid elec-trolyte interphase formation.Moreover,we noted that Li*ions near the Li metal surface exhibit magnetic susceptibility anisotropy,revealing a novel approach to studying diamagnetic species on Li metal elec-trodes in LMBs.This study provides valuable insights and practical guidelines for characterizing distinct lithium states within LMBs.

Ultra-homogeneous dense Ag nano layer enables long lifespan solid-state lithium metal batteries

The unstable electrolyte/lithium(Li)anode interface has been one of the key challenges in realizing high energy density solid-state lithium metal batteries(LMBs)applications.Herein,a dense and uniform silver(Ag)nano interlayer with a thickness of∼35 nm is designed accurately by magnetron sputtering technology to optimize the electrolyte/Li anode interface.This Ag nano layer reacts with Li metal anode to in-situ form Li-Ag alloy,thus enhancing the physical interfacial contact,and further improving the interfacial wettability and compatibility.In particular,the Li-Ag alloy is inclined to form AgLi phase proved by cryo-TEM and DFT,effectively preventing SN from continuously“attacking”the Li metal anode due to the lower adsorption of succinonitrile(SN)molecules on AgLi than that of pure Li metal,thereby significantly reinforcing the interfacial stability.Hence,the enhanced physical and chemical stability of electrolyte/Li anode interface promotes the homogeneous deposition of Li^(+)and inhibits the dendrite growth.The Li-symmetric cell maintains stable operation for up to 1700 h and the cycling stability of LiFePO_(4)|SPE|Li full cell is remarkably improved at room temperature(capacity retention rate of 91.9%for 200 cycles).This work opens an effective way for accurate and controllable interface design of long lifespan solid-state LMBs.

In-situ electro-polymerization of L-tyrosine enables ultrafast,long cycle life for lithium metal battery

The growth of dendrites in the lithium(Li)metal anode hinders the commercialization of lithium metal batteries(LMBs).Electrolyte additives have proved to be an effective way to solve the problem of dendrites and improve the coulombic efficiency.Herein,we propose a strategy of using L-tyrosine(L-Tyr)as an additive to protect the lithium metal anode in situ,where L-Tyr can be electropolymerized in situ to form an ordered array of nanosheets on the surface of the lithium metal anode to uniformly deposit lithium ions.At the same time,the addition of L-Tyr changed the structure of the solvent in the electrolyte,because the carboxyl group on L-Tyr make DME form hydrogen bonds easily.Besides,the reduction of free DME makes more TFSI-involved in the formation of the SEI film on the electrode surface,which increases the proportion of LiF in the SEI film.With 2 wt%L-Tyr,Li||Li symmetric cells superior cycle stability in ether electrolytes,Li|Cu cells y improved stability up to 200 cycles with an average CE of 93.1%in ether electrolytes and Li||Li_(4)Ti_(5)O_(12)(LTO)demonstrated an excellent cycling capabilitie with 119 mAh/g capacity retention by the 5000^(th)cycle.

Highly Efficient Aligned Ion‑Conducting Network and Interface Chemistries for Depolarized All‑Solid‑State Lithium Metal Batteries

Improving the long-term cycling stability and energy density of all-solid-state lithium(Li)-metal batteries(ASSLMBs)at room temperature is a severe challenge because of the notorious solid–solid interfacial contact loss and sluggish ion transport.Solid electrolytes are generally studied as two-dimensional(2D)structures with planar interfaces,showing limited interfacial contact and further resulting in unstable Li/electrolyte and cathode/electrolyte interfaces.Herein,three-dimensional(3D)architecturally designed composite solid electrolytes are developed with independently controlled structural factors using 3D printing processing and post-curing treatment.Multiple-type electrolyte films with vertical-aligned micro-pillar(p-3DSE)and spiral(s-3DSE)structures are rationally designed and developed,which can be employed for both Li metal anode and cathode in terms of accelerating the Li+transport within electrodes and reinforcing the interfacial adhesion.The printed p-3DSE delivers robust long-term cycle life of up to 2600 cycles and a high critical current density of 1.92 mA cm^(−2).The optimized electrolyte structure could lead to ASSLMBs with a superior full-cell areal capacity of 2.75 mAh cm^(−2)(LFP)and 3.92 mAh cm^(−2)(NCM811).This unique design provides enhancements for both anode and cathode electrodes,thereby alleviating interfacial degradation induced by dendrite growth and contact loss.The approach in this study opens a new design strategy for advanced composite solid polymer electrolytes in ASSLMBs operating under high rates/capacities and room temperature.

Progress in the application of polymer fibers in solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries

Solid state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs)are considered to be one of the most promising battery systems for achieving high energy density and excellent safety for energy storage in the future.However,current existed solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are still difficult to meet the practical application requirements of SSLMBs.In this review,based on the analysis of main problems and challenges faced by the development of SSEs,the ingenious application and latest progresses including specific suggestions of various polymer fibers and their membrane products in solving these issues are emphatically reviewed.Firstly,the inherent defects of inorganic and organic electrolytes are pointed out.Then,the application strategies of polymer fibers/fiber membranes in strengthening strength,reducing thickness,enhancing thermal stability,increasing the film formability,improving ion conductivity and optimizing interface stability are discussed in detail from two aspects of improving physical structure properties and electrochemical performances.Finally,the researches and development trends of the intelligent applications of high-performance polymer fibers in SSEs is prospected.This review intends to provide timely and important guidance for the design and development of polymer fiber composite SSEs for SSLMBs.

Enabling an Inorganic-Rich Interface via Cationic Surfactant for High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

An anion-rich electric double layer(EDL)region is favorable for fabricating an inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI)towards stable lithium metal anode in ester electrolyte.Herein,cetyltrimethylammonium bromide(CTAB),a cationic surfactant,is adopted to draw more anions into EDL by ionic interactions that shield the repelling force on anions during lithium plating.In situ electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy results combined with molecular dynamics simulations validate the enrichment of NO_(3)^(−)/FSI−anions in the EDL region due to the positively charged CTA^(+).In-depth analysis of SEI structure by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry results confirmed the formation of the inorganic-rich SEI,which helps improve the kinetics of Li^(+)transfer,lower the charge transfer activation energy,and homogenize Li deposition.As a result,the Li||Li symmetric cell in the designed electrolyte displays a prolongated cycling time from 500 to 1300 h compared to that in the blank electrolyte at 0.5 mA cm^(-2) with a capacity of 1 mAh cm^(-2).Moreover,Li||LiFePO_(4) and Li||LiCoO_(2) with a high cathode mass loading of>10 mg cm^(-2) can be stably cycled over 180 cycles.

Regulating the non-effective carriers transport for high-performance lithium metal batteries

The absence of control over carriers transport during electrochemical cycling,accompanied by the deterioration of the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)and the growth of lithium dendrites,has hindered the development of lithium metal batteries.Herein,a separator complexion consisting of polyacrylonitrile(PAN)nanofiber and MIL-101(Cr)particles prepared by electrospinning is proposed to bind the anions from the electrolyte utilizing abundant effective open metal sites in the MIL-101(Cr)particles to modulate the transport of non-effective carriers.The binding effect of the PANM separator promotes uniform lithium metal deposition and enhances the stability of the SEI layer and long cycling stability of ultra-high nickel layered oxide cathodes.Taking PANM as the Li||NCM96 separator enables high-voltage cycling stability,maintaining 72%capacity retention after 800 cycles at a charging and discharging rate of 0.2 C at a cut-off voltage of 4.5 V and 0°C.Meanwhile,the excellent high-rate performance delivers a specific capacity of 156.3 mA h g^(-1) at 10 C.In addition,outstanding cycling performance is realized from−20 to 60°C.The separator engineering facilitates the electrochemical performance of lithium metal batteries and enlightens a facile and promising strategy to develop fast charge/discharge over a wide range of temperatures.

Unique double-layer solid electrolyte interphase formed with fluorinated ether-based electrolytes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries

Li metal batteries using high-voltage layered oxides cathodes are of particular interest due to their high energy density.However,they suffer from short lifespan and extreme safety concerns,which are attributed to the degradation of layered oxides and the decomposition of electrolyte at high voltage,as well as the high reactivity of metallic Li.The key is the development of stable electrolytes against both highvoltage cathodes and Li with the formation of robust interphase films on the surfaces.Herein,we report a highly fluorinated ether,1,1,1-trifluoro-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methoxy]ethane(TTME),as a cosolvent,which not only functions as a diluent forming a localized high concentration electrolyte(LHCE),but also participates in the construction of the inner solvation structure.The TTME-based electrolyte is stable itself at high voltage and induces the formation of a unique double-layer solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)film,which is embodied as one layer rich in crystalline structural components for enhanced mechanical strength and another amorphous layer with a higher concentration of organic components for enhanced flexibility.The Li||Cu cells display a noticeably high Coulombic efficiency of 99.28%after 300 cycles and Li symmetric cells maintain stable cycling more than 3200 h at 0.5 mA/cm^(2) and 1.0m Ah/cm^(2).In addition,lithium metal cells using LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2) and Li CoO_(2) cathodes(both loadings~3.0 m Ah/cm^(2))realize capacity retentions of>85%over 240 cycles with a charge cut-off voltage of 4.4 V and 90%for 170 cycles with a charge cut-off voltage of 4.5 V,respectively.This study offers a bifunctional ether-based electrolyte solvent beneficial for high-voltage Li metal batteries.

Bifunctional TiO_(2-x)nanofibers enhanced gel polymer electrolyte for high performance lithium metal batteries

Exploration of advanced gel polymer electrolytes(GPEs)represents a viable strategy for mitigating dendritic lithium(Li)growth,which is crucial in ensuring the safe operation of high energy density Li metal batteries(LMBs).Despite this,the application of GPEs is still hindered by inadequate ionic conductivity,low Li^(+)transference number,and subpar physicochemical properties.Herein,Ti O_(2-x)nanofibers(NF)with oxygen vacancy defects were synthesized by a one-step process as inorganic fillers to enhance the thermal/mechanical/ionic-transportation performances of composite GPEs.Various characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the oxygen vacancies on the surface of Ti O_(2-x)NF accelerate the dissociation of Li PF_6,promote the rapid transfer of free Li^(+),and influence the formation of Li F-enriched solid electrolyte interphase.Consequently,the composite GPEs demonstrate enhanced ionic conductivity(1.90m S cm^(-1)at room temperature),higher lithium-ion transference number(0.70),wider electrochemical stability window(5.50 V),superior mechanical strength,excellent thermal stability(210℃),and improved compatibility with lithium,resulting in superior cycling stability and rate performance in both Li||Li,Li||Li Fe PO_(4),and Li||Li Ni_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)cells.Overall,the synergistic influence of nanofiber morphology and enriched oxygen vacancy structure of fillers on electrochemical properties of composite GPEs is comprehensively investigated,thus,it is anticipated to shed new light on designing high-performance GPEs LMBs.