Fast lithium transport kinetics regulated by low energy-barrier LixMnO2 for long-life lithium metal batteries

Abstract Commercialization of rechargeable lithium metal batteries has long been hindered by the safety concerns associated with the undesirable lithium dendrite issues. To inhibit the uncontrolled dendrite growth, homogeneous ion transport to achieve even lithium plating is a necessity for lithium anode, but remain challenging. Inspired by traditional LixMnO2 materials with a fast Li+ transport, here we constructed 3D ionic-electronic transport channels with in-situ electrochemically lithiated MnO2. Taking advantages of the inherently fast ion transport and 3D conductive network, homogeneous ionic flux and reduced local current density can be achieved with this scaffold, contributing to even nucleation and uniform distribution of lithium plating. The dendrite-free anode shows a stable Li stripping/plating process with a low overpotential, and the full cell coupling the composite anode with LiFePO4 cathode delivers excellent cycle stability and rate capability. Our strategy offers a new avenue to advance next-generation lithium metal batteries.