High-capacity rechargeable batteries based on deeply cyclable lithium metal anodes

Significance Lithium metal is considered as the ultimate choice of anode for high-energy batteries, but the existing Li metal electrodes are usually limited to shallow cycling conditions (1 mAh cm −2 ) and thus inefficient utilization (<1%). We achieve Li metal electrodes deeply and stably cyclable to capacities >10 mAh cm −2 , enabled by slow release of LiNO 3 into carbonate electrolyte and its subsequent decomposition to form a protective layer for reversible, dendrite-free, and highly dense Li metal deposition. Based on that, we demonstrate a Li-MoS 3 (in close-to-stoichiometric ratio) cell showing high areal and specific capacity and energy.