Interfacial Chemistry Regulation via AlPO₄ Modification Enables Fast Charging and Wide-Temperature Operation of Graphite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Graphite remains the dominant anode for commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), yet it suffers from sluggish reaction kinetics and interphase instability under long-term cycling and extreme-temperature conditions, which hinder the high rate performance, longevity and environmental adaptability of LIBs. Herein, an interfacial chemistry regulation strategy via AlPO₄ (APO) surface modification is proposed to address the challenge. APO modification induces more PF₆⁻ anions entering the solvation structure at interface, which not only reduces the desolvation energy, but also facilitates the generation of inorganic-rich SEI, promoting the reaction kinetics and thermal/structural stability of SEI. Meanwhile, APO optimizes the electrolyte decomposition reaction route and suppresses gas release, alleviating gas-induced interfacial structure degradation, further enhances the uniformity and stability of the SEI and graphite. Consequently, the APO-modified graphite exhibits remarkable performance across a wide temperature range with ordinary electrolyte. It delivers 210.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 2000 mA g⁻¹ with 76.2% retention after 1000 cycles at room temperature, maintains stable cycling at −20°C and providing an unprecedented 345.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 60°C under 2000 mA g⁻¹ and excellent cycle stability. This work demonstrates an effective interfacial chemistry regulation strategy via surface modification to achieve fast-charging, thermally resilient graphite electrode for high-performance LIBs.