Three-dimensional stable lithium metal anode with nanoscale lithium islands embedded in ionically conductive solid matrix

Significance Lithium metal anode holds great promises for next-generation high-energy lithium battery systems. This work introduces an electrolyte-proof design of three-dimensional lithium metal anode where most of the lithium domains are embedded in a lithium-ion conductive matrix. In this architecture, the lithium-ion conductive matrix can isolate the embedded lithium domains from liquid electrolyte and thus prevent severe initial side reactions, while the matrix can simultaneously transport lithium ion and maintain the electrochemical activity of the embedded lithium. The design principle enables highly stable, high-power, and safe lithium metal anodes with minimal side reactions and negligible volume variation during cycling, which paves the way for viable lithium metal batteries in the future.