Polymer-based solid electrolyte interphase for stable lithium metal anodes†

The uncontrolled formation of a heterogeneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the growth of dendrites prevent the use of lithium metal anodes in Li-ion batteries. Possible strategies addressing these problems involve the formation of passivation surface coatings on the electrode. This study introduces a surface passivation strategy based on a covalently attached polymer coating to a hydroxide-modified lithium metal surface. The designed layer establishes a homogeneous and ion-permeable artificial SEI layer that is more stable than the untreated lithium metal anode, effectively preventing dead lithium aggregates and dendritic growth.