Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer for Lithium Metal Anode in High-Energy Lithium Secondary Pouch Cells

Lithium secondary batteries have attracted considerable attention due to their great potential to achieve ultrahigh energy density for future use. However, the Li metal anode suffers dendrite formation during repeated stripping/plating, hindering its practical realization. Herein, for the first time, an artificial solid electrolyte interphase layer, lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON), is introduced for the lithium anode, and the viable application in high-energy lithium secondary pouch cell is probed. LiPON is stable with lithium and in the air, which can protect the lithium from the side reaction with H2O and O2 effectively. In low-energy batteries, the LiPON layer can enhance the efficiency of lithium deposition/dissolution and prolong the lifespan of the batteries. Further on, the discharge capacities of the lithium secondary cells with an energy density over 350 Wh kg–1 deploying LiPON-coated Li anodes drop fast, and the batteries are prone to severe polarization leading to the termination of life. Nonuniform current density resulting from the cracks caused by the large mass of lithium stripping/plating is ascribed to being the decisive factor shortening the life of batteries. Generally speaking, more and further exploration should be focused on the modification of the large-area lithium anode to accomplish high-energy-density lithium batteries for practical applications.