Functional Laminated Fiber Scaffold Based on Titanium Monoxide for Lithium Metal-Based Batteries.

ABSTRACT

Lithium metal-based rechargeable batteries are attracting increasing attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity and energy density. However, the dendrite growth leads to short circuits or even explosions and rapid depletion of active materials and electrolytes. Here, a functionalized and laminated scaffold (PVDF/TiO@C fiber) based on lithiophilic titanium monoxide is rationally designed to inhibit dendrite growth. Specifically, the bottom TiO@C fiber sublayer provides rich Li nucleation sites and facilitates the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase. Together with the top lithiophobic PVDF sublayer, the prepared freestanding scaffold can effectively suppress the growth of Li dendrite and ensure stable Li plating/stripping. Based on the dendrite-free deposition, the Li/PVDF/TiO@ C fiber anode enables over 1000 h at a current density of 1 mA cm-2 in a symmetrical cell and delivers superior electrochemical performance in both Li || LFP and Li-S batteries. The functional laminated fiber scaffold design provides essential insights for obtaining high-performance lithium metal anodes.