Identifying the Role of Interfacial Long-Range Order in Regulating the Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium Metal Batteries

The self-assembled monolayer (SAM) technique, known for its customizable molecular segments and active end groups, is widely recognized as a powerful tool for regulating the interfacial properties of high-energy-density lithium metal batteries. However, it remains unclear how the degree of long-range order in SAMs affects the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In this study, we precisely controlled the hydrolysis of silanes to construct monolayers with varying degrees of long-range order and investigated their effects on the SEI nanostructure and lithium anode performance. The results indicate that the degree of long-range order in SAMs significantly influences the decomposition kinetics of the carbon-fluorine bond in lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), promoting the formation of a LiF-rich SEI and profoundly affecting the long-term stability of the highly sensitive anode during electrochemical processes. These findings provide new insights and directions for the molecular design of SAMs tailored for long-lasting lithium metal interfaces.