Stabilizing Lithiophilic Sites Via Bimetallic Oxide Heterointerfaces

Designing metal oxide hosts with multiple lithophilic sites has emerged as a promising strategy to stabilize lithium (Li) metal anode for Li metal batteries (LMBs). Through lowering Li nucleation overpotentials, metal-oxide-derived lithiophilic frameworks can guide uniform Li deposition. However, lithiophilic sites suffer from failure upon cycling due to the structural collapse, limiting their durability for practical applications. Herein, a heterointerfacing strategy is reported to stabilize the alloy-type lithiophilic sites of zinc. Nondurable zinc oxide is closely jointed with durable cobalt oxide, forming a unique bimetallic oxide heterointerface that possesses both favorable Li affinity and high structural integrity. The roles of individual components and the interface are both investigated. The heterostructured framework serves as a buffer layer at the anode/electrolyte interface, enabling stable regulation of Li plating and stripping. The as-modified Li metal anode achieves high coulombic efficiency and long-term stability in practical LMBs. This work sheds a light on designing durable lithiophilic hosts for LMBs under practical conditions.