A Supramolecular Electrolyte for Lithium-Metal Batteries

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Qiang Zhang. The cover picture exhibits the concept of a supramolecular electrolyte (SSE) in lithium metal batteries. Supramolecular organization affords the ion channel (represented by the bridge) towards the lithium metal electrode (represented by the flaring mountain). Structural units cucurbit[6]uril are shown as streetlights along the ion channel to enlighten Li+ (the vehicles) moving from/to the lithium metal electrode. With the supramolecular ion channel to connect the lithium electrode and to regulate the coordination environments, Li+ transportation is boosted, displaying high mobility in the electrolyte and comparable activity at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The supramolecular design of solid electrolyte not only affords an emerging family of electrolyte candidate for lithium metal batteries, but also inspires the mediation of ion transportation and interfacial properties in energy storage systems.