Heterostructured catalytic interfaces enable uniform lithium atom diffusion toward dendrite-free Li metal batteries

Lithium metal anodes are regarded as promising anode materials owing to the ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and the lowest electrochemical potential, making them a prime candidate for next-generation high-energy–density batteries. However, uncontrolled dendrite growth and electrode pulverization severely hinder their practical deployments, which are mainly attributed to sluggish Li ion/atom diffusion. Herein, the local heterostructure-improved electrical field strategy of constructing a flexible TiN-NbC nanofiber membrane (TN-CNFM) has been initially proposed, establishing a stable catalytic interphase to modulate Li atom migration kinetics. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental characterizations reveal that the TiN-NbC heterojunction interphase significantly reduces the diffusion energy barrier of Li atom, promotes lateral Li atom redistribution and uniform Li nucleation/growth, effectively suppressing dendrite formation. As a result, the optimal Li anode with TN-CNFM interphase exhibits a low overpotential and an ultralong cycle lifespan exceeding 1600 h at 5 mA cm$^{−2}$. The full cells paired with LiNi$_{0.8}$Co$_{0.1}$Mn$_{0.1}$O$_2$ (NCM811) cathodes stabilize the capacity retention of 81.3% at 0.5C after 400 cycles and reach the robust capacity of 150.7 mA h g$^{−1}$ at 5C. ... mehrThis work presents a catalytic interface strategy for precisely controlling lithium deposition dynamics and enhancing anode stability.