Revealing the Multifunctions of Li 3 N in the Suspension Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries

作者：Mun Sek Kim, Zewen Zhang, Jingyang Wang, Solomon T. Oyakhire, Sang Cheol Kim, Zhiao Yu, Yuelang Chen, David Boyle, Yusheng Ye, Zhuojun Huang, Wenbo Zhang, Rong Xu, Philaphon Sayavong, Stacey F. Bent, Jian Qin, Zhenan Bao, Yi Cui · 发表于：ACS Nano · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1021/acsnano.2c12470 · 被引用次数：274 · 研究领域：Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies、Advancements in Battery Materials、Advanced Battery Technologies Research

Inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte interphases (SEIs) on Li metal anodes improve the electrochemical performance of Li metal batteries (LMBs). Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the roles played by essential inorganic compounds in SEIs is critical to realizing and developing high-performance LMBs. Among the prevalent SEI inorganic compounds observed for Li metal anodes, Li 3 N is often found in the SEIs of high-performance LMBs. Herein, we elucidate new features of Li 3 N by utilizing a suspension electrolyte design that contributes to the improved electrochemical performance of the Li metal anode. Through empirical and computational studies, we show that Li 3 N guides Li electrodeposition along its surface, creates a weakly solvating environment by decreasing Li + -solvent coordination, induces organic-poor SEI on the Li metal anode, and facilitates Li + transport in the electrolyte. Importantly, recognizing specific roles of SEI inorganics for Li metal anodes can serve as one of the rational guidelines to design and optimize SEIs through electrolyte engineering for LMBs.