Rationally design lithiophilic surfaces toward high−energy Lithium metal battery

The practical application of lithium (Li) metal anode has been hindered by the fast Li depletion and shallow cycling conditions. Herein, a universal and scalable approach for current collectors combining an enhanced lithiophilic surface and a conductive inner core enables a promising pathway for high−performance Li metal battery (LMB). The interface between anode and electrolyte accelerates Li ions self−concentration and enhances the electrokinetic surface conduction with suppressed Li concentration polarization. With Cu@Cu3N as an example, a fast Li plating/stripping at 20 mA cm−2 for 10,000 cycles and a stable full cell under the near realistic conditions with a high active material loading (19.1 mg cm−2), a low electrolyte/active materials ratio (2.3), and a limited Li resource (10.24 mAh cm−2: equivalent to 50 µm Li foil) are achieved for broadening the commercialization of LMB.