Lithium dendrites inhibition by regulating electrodeposition kinetics

The safety problems caused by lithium (Li) dendrites greatly limit the development of Li metal batteries. In the electrodeposition process, the large concentration gradient at the interface of Li metal–electrolyte is the driving force of inhomogeneous Li deposition. Here, we propose a novel strategy to optimize Li deposition behavior slowing Li electrodeposition kinetics. To achieve this strategy, a fluorocarbon surfactant is added to the ether electrolyte, which can form a lithiophobic adsorbed layer on the Li metal surface and inhibit the Li–ions charge transfer process (Li+ + e− → Li). The slow deposition kinetics greatly alleviate the concentration gradient near the electrode–electrolyte interface, leading to a stable Li deposition/stripping process. Consequently, Li deposition morphology is dense and uniform, and Li||Li symmetrical cells in electrolyte with additive can stable cycle for a long period at extremely high currents (20 mA cm−2, 20 mAh cm−2). This work provides a novel strategy for inhibiting Li dendrites and reveals the influence of electrodeposition kinetics on the Li deposition process.