Fluorinated carbon coating derived hydrophobic and dendrite-free lithium metal anode

Lithium metal anode generally shows poor humid air stability and unsatisfied cycling lifespan, which poses significant challenges for practical productions and applications. Herein, a highly hydrophobic and dendrite-free lithium anode (Li@FC) was fabricated by coating fluorinated carbon (FC) layers on the surface. The Li@FC anode shows improved stability against humid environments with a large contact angle of 139° due to the formation of hydrophobic interfacial layers consisting of fluorinated carbon, and FC derived carbon matrix and LiF nanocrystals. More importantly, LiF possesses high Li⁺ conductive ability while conductive carbon matrix can provide lithiophilic host for lithium deposition. The Li@FC anode suppresses the formation of lithium dendrites by orienting lithium deposition. As a result, Li@FC anode exhibits excellent electrochemical performances in both symmetric cells and LiFePO₄ full cells. This design offers a potential approach for developing lithium metal anodes that are both air-stable and dendrite-free, thereby enhancing the reliability of lithium metal batteries.