Flexible MnO nanoparticle-anchored N-doped porous carbon nanofiber interlayers for superior performance lithium metal anodes

The mounting requirements for electric apparatus and vehicles stimulate the rapid progress of energy storage systems. Lithium (Li) metal is regarded as one of the most prospective anodes for high-performance cells. However, the uneven dendrite growth is one of the primary conundrums that hampers the use of the Li metal anode in rechargeable Li batteries. Achieving even Li deposition is crucial to solve this concern. In this study, a stable interlayer based on electrospun flexible MnO nanoparticle/nitrogen (N)-doped (polyimide) PI-based porous carbon nanofiber (MnO–PCNF) films was effectively prepared via electrospinning and in situ growth of MnO to reduce the growth of Li dendrites. It is revealed that the attraction of implanted MnO towards Li, the lithiophilic nature of N dopants and the capillary force of porous architectures are beneficial to the preeminent Li wettability of the MnO–PCNF interlayer. Furthermore, the wettable, stable and conductive structure of the MnO–PCNF interlayer can be retained well, offering rapid charge transfer to Li redox reactions, reduced local current density during the cycling process and homogeneous distribution of deposited Li. Consequently, anodes with MnO–PCNF interlayers can relieve the volume change and inhibit the growth of Li dendrites, demonstrating a remarkable lifetime for lithium metal cells at high current.