Constructing valid Li+ fast-transfer channels on novel P(TPC@Lys-Li) separator to enable security, high energy density, and controllable Li dendrites for lithium-metal batteries

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2024-12, Vol.501, p.157586, Article 157586
• Main Authors: Ding, Lei, Li, Dandan, Zhang, Sihang, Zhang, Shuo, Wang, Zhaoyang, Du, Fanghui, Zhang, Pengfang, Yang, Feng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cycling stability; High security; Li dendrite regulations; Li+ fast-transfer channel constructions; Lithium-metal battery separator
• ISSN: 1385-8947
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.157586

[Display omitted] •Designing novel P(TPC@Lys-Li) separator by adjusting DELT.•Clarifying dependency of Li+ transfer dynamics on DELT regulations.•Constructing high-efficiency Li+ fast-transfer channels on porous skeletons.•Stabilizing SEI layer formation and homogenizing Li dendrites.•Acquiring remarkable C-rate capacity and cycle stability for assembled LMBs. Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) attract widespread attention under current high energy density developments. However, wild Li dendrite propagations owing to chaotic Li depositions raise challenges for LMB blossoming. Separators with specific demands thus should be involved when smoothly transferring into LMBs. In this research, a fascinating P(TPC@Lys-Li) separator is prepared by the turbulent interfacial polymerization and electrospinning to ingeniously clarify dependencies of Li+ transfer dynamics on double electric layer thickness (DELT) regulations within porous skeletons. P(TPC@Lys-Li) enables negatively charged porous skeleton surface and compresses DELT, which constructs high-efficiency Li+ fast-transfer channels on porous skeletons and accelerates Li+ transfer speed by 18.3 times. Especially, P(TPC@Lys-Li) supplies extra Li+ for stable formations of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, homogenizing nucleation and growth behaviors during Li depositions. Remarkable C-rate capacity and cycle stability thus arise for assembled LMBs, holding 87.2 % capacity retention after 700 cycles at 0.5C even under high cathode loading and lean electrolyte conditions. P(TPC@Lys-Li) also maintains constant physical scale and unabated mechanical strength even at elevated temperatures approaching 200 °C, which provides excellent battery security as LMBs encounter uncontrollable thermal runaway. Above attractive features enable P(TPC@Lys-Li) separator to be potentially applied in LMBs demanding sufficient security, high-capacity density, and fast charge technology.