An Extremely Simple Method for Protecting Lithium Anodes in Li-O2 Batteries.

Rechargeable Li-O2 batteries have aroused much attention for their high energy density as a promising battery technology; however, the performance of the batteries is still unsatisfactory. Lithium anodes, as one of the most important part of Li-O2 batteries, play a vital role in improving the cycle life of the batteries. Now, a very simple method is introduced to produce a protective film on lithium surface via chemical reactions between lithium metals and 1,4-dioxacyclohexane. The film is mainly composed of ethylene oxide monomers and endows Li-O2 batteries with enhanced cycling stability. The film could effectually reduce the morphology changes and suppress the parasitic reactions of lithium anodes. This simple approach provides a new strategy to protect lithium anodes in Li-O2 batteries.