The practical applications of lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) are limited by challenges such as dendrite formation and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), especially at higher C-rates. This study introduces melamine-coated Li metal anodes (LMAs), forming a Li3N-rich SEI layer that improves ionic conductivity and mechanical stability. The optimized melamine-coated LMA demonstrated uniform coverage resulting in denser Li deposition, nearly doubled cycle life (∼148 cycles at 0.5 C, 1 C = 4.1 mA cm–2), compared to bare Li. These findings emphasize that coating materials-induced beneficial SEI components could lead to improvement of LMB performance.
Kim et al. (Thu,) studied this question.