Synergistic Coupling of Host and Electrolyte Achieving 1270 Wh L <sup>−1</sup> in Anode‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries

D Dong‐Yeob Han (Department of Chemistry Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea) S Saehun Kim (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291 Daehak‐ro, Yuseong‐gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea) J Junsu Son (Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology Gyeongsang National University (GNU) Jinju 52828 Republic of Korea) S Sangwon Lee S Sungjin Cho (Department of Chemistry Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea) D Donghyun Lee J Jiyoon Lee (Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology Gyeongsang National University (GNU) Jinju 52828 Republic of Korea) T Tae Kyung Lee N Nam‐Soon Choi (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291 Daehak‐ro, Yuseong‐gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea) S Soojin Park

Abstract

Abstract Anode‐free lithium metal batteries (LMBs) represent a promising avenue for maximizing energy density by eliminating excess lithium (Li), yet their practical implementation is impeded by limited Li reversibility and pronounced interfacial instability. Herein, a synergistic coupling strategy is reported that integrates a highly reversible host (RH) with a rationally designed, carbonate‐rich electrolyte (DEL) to concurrently address these fundamental challenges. The RH spontaneously induces the formation of a robust Li 2 O‐ and Li 3 N‐rich solid electrolyte interphase via electron transfer, which effectively accommodates Li volume changes and suppresses dendritic growth. Complementarily, DEL, composed of commercially available salts, solvents, and additives, establishes stable electrode‐electrolyte interphases at both electrodes. Coin‐type anode‐free full cells employing the RH‐DEL configuration achieve an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.6% and 81.9% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 4.6 mAh cm −2 and 2.3 mA cm −2 . Stacked pouch‐type full cells further deliver a record volumetric energy density of 1270 Wh L −1 (including packaging) under lean electrolyte (E/C = 2.5 g Ah −1 ) and a low stack pressure (≈20 kPa). This synergistic approach delineates a practical pathway toward high‐energy, long‐life anode‐free LMBs for advanced energy storage systems.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 14
Published March 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (10)

D

Dong‐Yeob Han

Department of Chemistry Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea

S

Saehun Kim

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291 Daehak‐ro, Yuseong‐gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea

J

Junsu Son

Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology Gyeongsang National University (GNU) Jinju 52828 Republic of Korea

S

Sangwon Lee

S

Sungjin Cho

Department of Chemistry Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea

D

Donghyun Lee

J

Jiyoon Lee

Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology Gyeongsang National University (GNU) Jinju 52828 Republic of Korea

T

Tae Kyung Lee

N

Nam‐Soon Choi

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291 Daehak‐ro, Yuseong‐gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea

S

Soojin Park