Molecularly aligned electron channels for ultrafast-charging practical lithium-metal batteries

doi:10.1038/s41560-025-01961-z

Molecularly aligned electron channels for ultrafast-charging practical lithium-metal batteries

2026-01-23

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DOI：10.1038/s41560-025-01961-z

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Charge transfer across interfaces constitutes the rate-determining step in electrochemical systems. Sluggish kinetics triggers side reactions and hazardous surface morphologies, as represented by dendritic/dead lithium (Li0) in Li-metal batteries (LMBs), especially under ultrafast charging (UFC). Here we report an approach to accelerate interfacial charge transfer by redesigning the solvent molecular structure into a distinctive planar coordination of lone-pair electrons (LPEs) with alkaline cations (Li+ or Na+). This planar-aligned electron channel (PAEC) greatly strengthens the coupling between LPEs and Li+, promoting Li+/Li0 redox reaction kinetics and reversibility. The designed electrolyte dramatically enables stable cycling of industrial 2 Ah Li||LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 pouch cells at an ultrahigh rate of 4 C, achieving 100% full charge within 15 min at a charging power density of 1,747.6 W kg−1. We establish a link between the solvation electronic structure and charge-transfer dynamics, highlighting a potential strategy for electrolyte design under extreme electrochemical conditions. Sluggish interfacial charge transfer in Li-metal batteries limits ultrafast charging and causes side reactions. The authors design solvent molecules to enhance Li⁺ coordination, improving the charge-transfer kinetics and enabling stable high-rate cycling of Li-metal cells.

Keywords:

interfacial charge transfer

lithium-metal batteries

ultrafast charging

electrolyte design

planar-aligned electron channel

Molecularly aligned electron channels for ultrafast-charging practical lithium-metal batteries

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