Unlocking cycle life of lithium metal batteries.

Electrolyte depletion and anode-to-cathode cross-talk cause cycle failure in lithium-metal batteries, regardless of high Coulombic efficiency, limiting their lifespan.

• Why it matters: Understanding why high Coulombic efficiency does not correlate with longer cycle life in lithium-metal batteries is crucial for developing durable, high-energy storage systems.
• What they did: The study analyzed the effects of unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) on electrolyte consumption and lithium compensation, establishing relationships among SEI quality, electrolyte depletion, and cycle life.
• The result: A quantitative framework guides electrolyte design to improve SEI stability, extend electrolyte lifetime, and enable long cycle life in high-energy lithium-metal batteries with minimal electrolyte.