Interfacial Modification of Lithium Metal Anode by Boron Nitride Nanosheets

Zhiyu Wang, Si Qin, Fangfang Chen, Shasha Chen, Dan Liu, Degang Jiang, Peng Zhang, Pablo Mota-Santiago, Dylan Hegh, Peter Lynch, Abdulrahman S. Alotabi, Gunther G. Andersson, Patrick C. Howlett, Maria Forsyth, Weiwei Lei, Joselito M. Razal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Metallic lithium (Li) is the most attractive anode for Li batteries because it holds the highest theoretical specific capacity (3860 mA h g-1) and the lowest redox potential (−3.040 V vs SHE). However, the poor interface stability of the Li anode, which is caused by the high reactivity and dendrite formation of metallic Li upon cycling, leads to undesired electrochemical performance and safety issues. While two-dimensional boron nitride (BN) nanosheets have been utilized as an interfacial layer, the mechanism on how they stabilize the Li-electrolyte interface remains elusive. Here, we show how BN nanosheet interlayers suppress Li dendrite formation, enhance Li ion transport kinetics, facilitate Li deposition, and reduce electrolyte decomposition. We show through both simulation and experimental data that the desolvation process of a solvated Li ion within the interlayer nanochannels kinetically favors Li deposition. This process enables long cycling stability, reduced voltage polarization, improved interface stability, and negligible volume expansion. Their application as an interfacial layer in symmetric cells and full cells that display significantly improved electrochemical properties is also demonstrated. The knowledge gained in this study provides both critical insights and practical guidelines for designing a Li metal anode with significantly improved performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3531–3541
Number of pages11
JournalACS nano
Volume18
Issue number4
Early online date18 Jan 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • boron nitride
  • dendrite suppression
  • desolvation
  • lithium metal anodes
  • two-dimensional nanomaterials

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