Enabling High-Voltage Lithium-Metal Batteries under Practical Conditions

Rechargeable lithium (Li)-metal batteries (LMBs) offer a great opportunity for applications needing high-energy-density battery systems. However, rare progress has been demonstrated so far under practical conditions, including high voltage, high-loading cathode, thin Li anode, and lean electrolyte. Here, in opposition to common wisdom, we report an ether-based localized high-concentration electrolyte that can greatly enhance the stability of a Ni-rich LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode under 4.4 and 4.5 V with an effective protection interphase enriched in LiF. This effect, in combination with the superior Li stability in this electrolyte, enables dramatically improved cycling performances of Li||NMC811 batteries under highly challenging conditions. The LMBs can retain over 80% capacity in 150 stable cycles with extremely limited amounts of the Li anode and electrolyte. The findings in this work point out a very promising strategy to develop practical high-energy LMBs.