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In the article "Ultra-Long and Rapid Operating Sodium Metal Batteries Enabled by Multifunctional Polarizable Interface Stabilizer," the authors explore the use of vinylpyrrolidone (VP) as an electrolyte additive in sodium metal batteries. They demonstrate that VP molecules can flatten the surface of the battery, control the growth direction of sodium deposition, and strengthen the solid electrolyte interface layer. This results in improved cycle performance, even under high current density operation. The findings suggest the potential for achieving ultra-long and rapid operation in sodium metal batteries. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • Vinylpyrrolidone (VP) suppresses dendrite growth even under high current density. • VP creates a high-quality flexible organic SEI layer on the Li anode surface. • VP worked effectively in Li-O 2 cells lowering the overpotential in the OER and ORR. • A dual-functional catalyst both works on the anode and cathode can be introduced. To overcome the limitations of lithium-ion batteries, Li metal–O 2 breathing batteries (LMOBs) have been extensively investigated because of the exceptional energy density provided by the O 2 cathode and Li metal anode. However, the dendrite growth and consequent surface degradation on the Li metal anode are significant issues prohibiting the safe and long-term cell operation. In this study, vinylpyrrolidone (VP) was homogeneously introduced into the electrolyte of LMOBs to flatten the Li metal anode and eliminate the dendrite growth and to activate a cathodic reaction with reduced overpotential. A smooth surface morphology and high-quality solid-electrolyte interface layer were achieved on the Li metal anode owing to dipolar VP molecules. We also verified the catalytic effect of VP molecules on the O 2 cathode reaction. Finding a homogeneous and dual-function electrolyte additive to stabilize the Li metal anode and activate the Li-O 2 cathode reaction is a new strategy to develop tailored LMOBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]