In Situ Formed Gel Polymer Electrolytes Enable Stable Solid Electrolyte Interface for High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

Carbonate-based electrolytes show distinct advantages in high-voltage cathodes but generate nonuniform and mechanically fragile solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) in lithium (Li) metal batteries. Herein, we propose a LiF-rich SEI incorporating an in situ polymerized poly(hexamethylene diisocyanate)-based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) to improve the homogeneity and mechanical stability of SEI. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as a fluorine-based additive for building LiF-rich SEI on Li metal electrodes. With this strategy, the assembled Li symmetric batteries cycled stably for 700 h, and the formation of byproducts on the Li electrode surface was significantly inhibited. The Li/LiFePO₄ battery delivered significant capacity retention (91% retention after 800 cycles) at 1 C. With high-voltage LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811) as cathode, the Li/GPE-FEC/NCM811 cell delivered a discharge capacity of 168.9 mAh g^-1 with a capacity retention of 82% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C. From the above, the work could assist the rapid development of high-energy-density rechargeable Li metal batteries toward remarkable performance.