Synergistic Evolution of Alloy Nanoparticles and Carbon in Solid-State Lithium Metal Anode Composites at Low Stack Pressure

Solid-state batteries with Li metal anodes can offer increased energy density compared to Li-ion batteries. However, the performance of pure Li anodes has been limited by morphological instabilities at the interface between Li and the solid-state electrolyte (SSE). Composites of Li metal with other materials such as carbon and Li alloys have exhibited improved cycling stability, but the mechanisms associated with this enhanced performance are not clear, especially at the low stack pressures needed for practical viability. Here, we investigate the structural evolution and correlated electrochemical behavior of Li metal composites containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Li–Ag alloy particles. The nanoscale carbon scaffold maintains homogeneous contact with the SSE during stripping and facilitates Li transport to the interface; these effects largely prevent interfacial disconnection even at low stack pressure. The Li–Ag is needed to ensure cyclic refilling of the rGO scaffold with Li during plating, and the solid-solution character of Li–Ag improves cycling stability compared to other materials that form intermetallic compounds. Full cells with sulfur cathodes were tested at relatively low stack pressure, achieving 100 stable cycles with 79% capacity retention.