High Current Enabled Stable Lithium Anode for Ultralong Cycling Life of Lithium-Oxygen Batteries

Rechargeable lithium-oxygen (LiO2) batteries (LOBs) with extremely high theoretical energy density have been regarded as a promising next-generation energy storage technology. However, the limited cycle life, undesirable corrosion, and safety hazards are seriously limiting the practical application of the lithium metal anode in LOBs. Here, we demonstrate a rational design of the Li-Al alloy (LiAlx) anode that successfully achieves ultralong cycling life of LOBs with stable Li cycling. Through in situ high-current pretreatment technology, Al atoms accumulates, and a stable Al2O3-containing solid electrolyte interphase protective film formed on the LiAlx anode surface to suppress side reactions and O-2 crossover. The cycling life of LOB with the protected LiAlx anode increases to 667 cycles under a fixed capacity of 1000 mA h g(-1), as compared to 17 cycles without pretreatment. We believe that this in situ high-current pretreatment strategy presents a new vision to protect the lithium-containing alloy anodes, such as Li-Al, Li-Mg, Li-Sn, and Li-In alloys for stable and safe lithium metal batteries (Li-O-2 and Li-S batteries).