In3Li13(311)/Li(110) Coherent Heterogeneous Induced Uniform Epitaxial Electrodeposition Enabling the Stable Ultrathin Lithium Metal Anode

Abstract

A growing need for high-energy-density lithium metal batteries appeal for utilize ultrathin (≤50 μm) free-standing Li metal anodes. However, challenges such as the formation of an unstable solid electrolyte interphase and the lithium dendrites growth have led to poor cycling performance and safety concerns, limiting the commercial viability of thin lithium metal anodes. This work introduces a facile approach by designing and fabricating an ultrathin Li-In alloy anode through in-situ vacuum melting and codirectional continuous rolling. The rolled ultrathin Li-In anode achieves the induction of uniform epitaxial electrodeposition of Li(110), which is attributed to the lithiophility of the densely distributed In₃Li₁₃ alloy phase and the coherent heterogeneous relationship between textured In₃Li₁₃(311) and Li(110).The symmetrical cell assembled by 50 μm Li-In alloy anode exhibits a prolonged lifespan for 1800 h under the conditions of 1 mA cm^-2 and 3 mAh cm^-2. Meanwhile, the LiFePO₄||Li-In (50 μm) full cell achieves stable 450 cycles with a retention of 90.3% at 2 C (1 C = 170 mA g^-1). This work paves the path for the practical ultrathin Li anode for commercializing the lithium metal batteries.