Covalent Organic Framework as an Efficient Protection Layer for a Stable Lithium-Metal Anode

Lithium (Li) metal shows great potential for achieving high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. However, the practical applications of Li-metal batteries are still challenged by the formation of Li dendrites and unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on metallic Li. Herein, a thin covalent organic framework layer is in situ fabricated on Li (COF-Li) to suppress Li dendrite growth and mitigate the side reaction on the Li anode. The COF has a periodic and uniform porosity, allowing for selectively sieving Li ions and guiding a uniform Li deposition. As a result, the COF-Li exhibits a non-dendrite morphology during repeated Li plating/stripping and demonstrates a remarkable cycle life over 13 200 h with an extremely low overpotential of only 16 mV at a high current density of 10 mA cm(-2) and a high areal capacity of 10 mAh cm(-2).

Automated summary

In this study, a thin covalent organic framework layer was used to suppress Li dendrite growth and mitigate side reactions on the Li anode. The COF-Li exhibited a non-dendrite morphology and demonstrated remarkable cycle life at high current density and areal capacity.