Biomacromolecules enabled dendrite-free lithium metal battery and its origin revealed by cryo-electron microscopy

Zhijin Ju, Jianwei Nai, Yao Wang, Tiefeng Liu, Jianhui Zheng, Huadong Yuan, Ouwei Sheng, Chengbin Jin, Wenkui Zhang, Zhong Jin, He Tian, Yujing Liu () and Xinyong Tao ()
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Zhijin Ju: Zhejiang University of Technology
Jianwei Nai: Zhejiang University of Technology
Yao Wang: Zhejiang University of Technology
Tiefeng Liu: Zhejiang University of Technology
Jianhui Zheng: Zhejiang University of Technology
Huadong Yuan: Zhejiang University of Technology
Ouwei Sheng: Zhejiang University of Technology
Chengbin Jin: Zhejiang University of Technology
Wenkui Zhang: Zhejiang University of Technology
Zhong Jin: Nanjing University
He Tian: Zhejiang University
Yujing Liu: Zhejiang University of Technology
Xinyong Tao: Zhejiang University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Metallic lithium anodes are highly promising for revolutionizing current rechargeable batteries because of their ultrahigh energy density. However, the application of lithium metal batteries is considerably impeded by lithium dendrite growth. Here, a biomacromolecule matrix obtained from the natural membrane of eggshell is introduced to control lithium growth and the mechanism is motivated by how living organisms regulate the orientation of inorganic crystals in biomineralization. Specifically, cryo-electron microscopy is utilized to probe the structure of lithium at the atomic level. The dendrites growing along the preferred crystallographic orientation are greatly suppressed in the presence of the biomacromolecule. Furthermore, the naturally soluble chemical species in the biomacromolecules can participate in the formation of solid electrolyte interphase upon cycling, thus effectively homogenizing the lithium deposition. The lithium anodes employing bioinspired design exhibit enhanced cycling capability. This work sheds light on identifying substantial challenges in lithium anodes for developing advanced batteries.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14358-1

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