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Polyaniline (PANI) has long been explored as a promising organic cathode for Li-ion batteries. However, its poor electrochemical utilization and cycling instability cast doubt on its potential for practical applications. In this work, we revisit the electrochemical performance of PANI in nonaqueous electrolytes, and reveal an unprecedented reversible capacity of 197.2 mAh g−1 (244.8 F g−1) when cycled in a wide potential range of 1.5 to 4.4 V vs. Li+/Li. This ultra-high capacity derives from 70% -NH- transformed to =NH+- during deep charging/discharging process. This material also demonstrates a high average coulombic efficiency of 98%, an excellent rate performance with 73.5 mAh g−1 at 1800 mA g−1, and retains 76% of initial value after 100 cycles, which are among the best reported values for PANI electrodes in battery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with high Li+‐ion conductivity is desperately desired for lithium (Li) metal anodes. However, it remains challenging to build a robust SEI rationally for the Li‐metal anodes in carbonate electrolytes. Herein, a heterogeneous nitride‐rich SEI that consists of organic nitrides on the surface and inorganic nitrides inside by stepwise‐reduction electrolyte design is constructed. The heterogeneous structure endows SEI with the capability to capture and distribute Li+ on the surface and facilitate internal Li+ transportation, leading to the redistributed Li+ flux and uniform Li electrodeposition. With the newly‐formulated carbonate electrolyte, Li||Cu cells deliver a high Coulombic efficiency of 98.0% after 300 cycles at 0.5 mA cm‐2 and 0.5 mAh cm‐2. Meanwhile, superb cycling stability is also determined with full Li‐metal cells using LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 and high‐loading LiFePO4 (12.0 mg cm−2) cathodes. This study provides a promising strategy to regulate the SEI components and stabilize the Li anodes by rational electrolyte design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: interfacial wettability; lithium metal batteries; solid-state batteries; surface microstructure EN interfacial wettability lithium metal batteries solid-state batteries surface microstructure 1 1 1 06/06/23 20230602 NES 230602 B Lithium Metal Anodes b In article number 2300165, Xiaowei Wang, Jiafeng Zhang, Ji Liang, and co-workers present an innovative "surface microstructure optimization" approach to improve the interface contact between solid-state electrolytes and lithium metal anodes. Interfacial wettability, lithium metal batteries, solid-state batteries, surface microstructure Revealing the Influence of Surface Microstructure on Li Wettability and Interfacial Ionic Transportation for Garnet-Type Electrolytes (Adv. [Extracted from the article]