Lithium‐Metal Anodes Working at 60 mA cm−2 and 60 mAh cm−2 through Nanoscale Lithium‐Ion Adsorbing

• Published in: Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2021-08, Vol.60 (32), p.17419-17425
• Main Authors: Ye, Lei, Liao, Meng, Cheng, Xiangran, Zhou, Xufeng, Zhao, Yang, Yang, Yibei, Tang, Chengqiang, Sun, Hao, Gao, Yue, Wang, Bingjie, Peng, Huisheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: graphene quantum dot; high rate; ion adsorbing; lithium-metal; lithium–air battery
• ISSN: 1433-7851; 1521-3773
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202106047

Achieving high‐current‐density and high‐area‐capacity operation of Li metal anodes offers promising opportunities for high‐performing next‐generation batteries. However, high‐rate Li deposition suffers from undesired Li‐ion depletion especially at the electrolyte‐anode interface, which compromises achievable capacity and lifetime. Here, electronegative graphene quantum dots are synthesized and assembled into an ultra‐thin overlayer capable of efficient Li‐ion adsorbing at the nanoscale on Li‐metal to fully relieve Li‐ion depletion. The protected Li anode achieves long‐term reversible Li plating/stripping over 1000 h at both superior current density of 60 mA cm−2 and areal capacity of 60 mAh cm−2. Implementation of the protected anode allows for the construction of Li‐air full battery with both enhanced rate capability and cycling performance. Reversible Li plating/stripping at both high current density of 60 mA cm−2 and areal capacity of 60 mAh cm−2 is achieved by designing an ultra‐thin graphene quantum dot overlayer capable of efficient Li‐ion adsorbing at the nanoscale on Li‐metal.