3D Lithiophilic Host Comprising Co₂P Nanosheets and ZnO Nanorods for Stable Li Metal Anode

Within the domain of lithium metal batteries (LMBs), the integration of three-dimensional (3D) composite lithium metal anodes emerges as a critical strategy to combat dendrite growth. However, traditional challenges such as poor lithophilicity of 3D hosts and nonuniform charge distribution from imbalanced ion/electron transport typically undermine electrochemical performance. Herein, we present a 3D lithiophilic host comprising Co 2 P nanosheets and ZnO nanorods for stable Li metal anode. The 3D configuration of carbon cloth drastically reduces local current density during lithium deposition, while nanoscale lithophilic ZnO bestows 3D framework with sufficient lithophilic sites, thereby substantially lowering the energy barrier for lithium nucleation. The Co 2 P nanosheets interact with Li to form uniformly distributed Co nanoparticles within the Li 3 P phase, which is replete with ionic and electronic pathways. This Li 3 P interphase, characterized by high Li + conductivity, effectively lowers the Li + diffusion barrier. Simultaneously, the uniformly distributed electron-conductive cobalt domains help ensure a well-distributed current density, promoting an even distribution of Li + flux at the interface. Consequently, such a lithium anode evidences superior interface kinetics and extended cycling stability. Additionally, full cells outfitted with LiFePO 4 (LFP) cathodes demonstrate marked enhancements in both rate performance and cycling stability. This breakthrough marks a notable advance toward the realization of a stable lithium anode for high-energy-density LMBs.