A Tailored Interface Design for Anode-Free Solid-State Batteries

Anode-free solid-state batteries (AFSSBs) are considered to be one of the most promising high-safety and high-energy storage systems. However, low Coulombic efficiency stemming from severe deterioration on solid electrolyte/current collector (Cu foil) interface and undesirable Li dendrite growth impede their practical application, especially when rigid garnet electrolyte is used. Here, an interfacial engineering strategy between garnet electrolyte and Cu foil is introduced for stable and highly efficient AFSSBs. By utilizing the high Li ion conductivity of LiC6 layer, interfacial self-adaption ability arising from ductile lithiated polyacrylic acid polymer layer and regulated Li deposition via Li-Ag alloying reaction, the garnet-based AFSSB delivers a stable long-term operation. Additionally, when combined with a commercial LiCoO2 cathode (3.1 mAh cm-2), the cell also exhibits an outstanding capacity retention due to the tailored interface design. The strategies for novel AFSSBs architecture thus offer an alternative route to design next-generation batteries with high safety and high density. An interfacial engineering strategy that contains a lithiated graphite ion-conducting layer to homogenize the lithium flux, a ductile lithiated polyacrylic acid polymer layer to ensure the stability of the interface, and an silver-modified copper foil to regulate lithium deposition is designed for anode-free solid-state batteries. The collaborative interfacial design enables stable interface and low interface resistance.image