High Current Enabled Stable Lithium Anode for Ultralong Cycling Life of Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

Rechargeable lithium–oxygen (Li–O 2 ) batteries (LOBs) with extremely high theoretical energy density have been regarded as a promising next-generation energy storage technology. However, the limited cycle life, undesirable corrosion, and safety hazards are seriously limiting the practical application of the lithium metal anode in LOBs. Here, we demonstrate a rational design of the Li–Al alloy (LiAl x ) anode that successfully achieves ultralong cycling life of LOBs with stable Li cycling. Through in situ high-current pretreatment technology, Al atoms accumulates, and a stable Al 2 O 3 -containing solid electrolyte interphase protective film formed on the LiAl x anode surface to suppress side reactions and O 2 crossover. The cycling life of LOB with the protected LiAl x anode increases to 667 cycles under a fixed capacity of 1000 mA h g –1, as compared to 17 cycles without pretreatment. We believe that this in situ high-current pretreatment strategy presents a new vision to protect the lithium-containing alloy anodes, such as Li–Al, Li–Mg, Li–Sn, and Li–In alloys for stable and safe lithium metal batteries (Li–O 2 and Li–S batteries).