A Novel Kinetically‐Driven Approach to Forming Columnar {110}‐textured Lithium Metal Anodes with Extended Cycle Life

Abstract Constructing {110}‐textured lithium (Li) metal anodes is a promising strategy to extend battery life. While preparation of such anodes has been the subject of a few studies, their focus has been exclusively on thermodynamically‐driven (equilibrium) strategies. Through a systematic screening of bath conditions, the study reported here identifies a novel kinetically‐driven protocol that enhances the volume fraction of {110} texture by more than fivefold compared to equilibrium approaches. The protocol involves Li deposition at high current densities or low temperatures in a commonly used LiNO₃‐containing ether‐based electrolyte. Columnar {110}‐oriented grains are formed through a growth rate selection process arising from the stronger electronic coupling and faster electron transfer rate between Li(110) and Li⁺ cations compared to other lattice planes. LiNO₃ plays a crucial role by inhibiting the deposition on the Li(110) plane less than the other planes. Simple bath condition adjustments yield optimized {110}‐textured Li anodes with improved plating/stripping homogeneity that suppresses dendrite formation and electrolyte consumption, resulting in extended cycle life in lean‐electrolyte full cells. This kinetically‐driven approach offers mechanistic insight into Li texture formation and a promising route to high‐performance Li metal anodes.