Enhancing the performance of metallic lithium anode in batteries through water-resistant and air-stable coating

The limited reversibility and high reactivity of lithium metal with the liquid electrolyte in lithium batteries hinder its widespread adoption. The formation of an unstable solid electrolyte interphase layer and the sensitivity of lithium metal to moisture and air are major issues that need to be addressed. To overcome the practical challenges associated with the application of lithium anodes in lithium metal batteries, a well-thought-out design of a protective layer is proposed. Here, we have developed a composite coating comprising polyvinylidene fluoride, fumed colloidal silica, and paraffin wax as a protective layer for lithium metal anodes. The coating exhibits excellent electrochemical stability, high ionic conductivity, and mechanical stability, effectively suppressing dendrite growth and accommodating lithium volume changes during cycling. Moreover, the hydrophobic wax component can mitigate the atmospheric sensitivity of metallic lithium anodes. The coating process employed is facile and economically viable, significantly enhancing the scalability of lithium metal batteries. Experimental characterizations confirm the structure and composition of the coating, and electrochemical measurements demonstrate the improved electrochemical performance and cyclability of the coated lithium metal anodes. The results indicate that the developed composite coating has great potential for enhancing the electrochemical and processing stability of metallic lithium anodes for lithium metal batteries.