Lithophilic metal–ceramic Achieving high durability in lithium-metal batteries via lithophilic metal-ceramic interface engineering

This study proposes a novel strategy to mitigate Li dendrite formation using a dual-layer protective coating composed of a ceramic (Al2O3) and lithophilic metal (Au) fabricated via a solvent-free transfer printing process. The dual-layer structure consists of a Au layer positioned between Al2O3 and Li metal, where the Al2O3 layer suppresses dendrite growth and promotes uniform Li-ion flux.

Meanwhile, the Au layer functions as a seed for Li deposition, reducing the nucleation overpotential of Li deposition through the Au-Li alloy formation, thus enabling uniform Li deposition. Using synchrotron-based operando X-ray computed tomography (CT), we directly visualized and analyzed the Li growth mechanisms within the Al2O3@Au dual-layer structure, confirming its role in facilitating uniform Li deposition and effectively preventing dendrite formation.