Conformal Deposition of Lithium Metal on Electroactive Organic Materials

Abstract Despite the enormous efforts to control the growth behavior of Li, achieving a dendrite‐free Li deposition and high‐energy‐density have remained an inevitable challenge of Li metal batteries. Here, the conformal deposition of Li metal is reported on electroactive organic materials to achieve a high‐energy‐density and electrochemical longevity. To this end, Li₂C₈H₄O₄ (Li₂TP), which can act as both the electrode material (providing the redox capacity) and Li host (inducing the dendrite‐free Li deposition), is used as the model electroactive organic material. The Li₂TP host exhibits reversible sequential lithiation/delithiation and Li deposition/stripping reactions. Consequently, a Li‐free full cell constructed by the Li₂TP host (without pre‐charging) and a LiFePO₄ cathode delivered a high areal capacity (≈3.8 mAh cm⁻²), exceptional rate performance (≤12 mA cm⁻²), and superior cyclability (80% capacity retention after 100 cycles). This electroactive organic material‐based Li host strategy can provide a new perspective for the development of practical Li metal batteries.