Constructing an inorganic/organic mixed protective film for low-cost fabrication of stable lithium metal anode

Lithium metal has been recognized as the most promising anode for next generation of ultra-high energy density batteries. However, lithium dendrites have restricted its development because of security concerns and poor cycling performance during repeated Li plating/stripping. Herein, we show an effective and easy-industrialization strategy to generate a compact and uniform Li₂CO₃/PVDF coating on lithic surface by spin-coating method at a low cost. Characterizations of XRD, EIS and SEM are carried out to demonstrate the Li₂CO₃/PVDF coating possessing excellent cyclic stability and highly Li⁺ conductivity. Li|LiFePO₄ battery with Li₂CO₃/PVDF-coated Li anode retains up to 119.6 mAh g⁻¹ of specific discharge capacity and 87.2% of capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1 C, meanwhile exhibiting low overpotential of 80 mV and high stability for 200 h at 3 mA cm⁻² in Li|Li symmetric battery. This operable approach provides an idea to achieve industrial development of lithium metal anode.