Enhanced Stability of Lithium Metal Anode via Plasma Treated MOF Material

This study demonstrates a nitrogen plasma-treated HKUST-۱ metal-organic framework (MOF) coating onto lithium metal which enables stable cycling of a lithium||NMC۵۳۲ battery for ۵۰ continuous charge/discharges within ۳-۴.۵V at ۰.۵C rate, maintaining columbic efficiency above ۹۷%. The HKUST-۱ MOF's porous nanochannel structure facilitates efficient lithium-ion transport. The nanochannels provide confined spaces regulating uniform lithium deposition, preventing lithium agglomeration. The MOF coating modifies the lithium/electrolyte interface, acting as a barrier suppressing parasitic reactions like electrolyte decomposition above ۴.۲V that accelerate anode failure. Galvanostatic cycling of a symmetric Li/Li@MOF cell at ۳ mA/cm۲ demonstrated a remarkably stable overpotential of ۰.۱۴V over ۱۰۰ cycles, highlighting the robust interface for uniform lithium plating/stripping. The nitrogen plasma treatment improved the MOF's lithium-ion selectivity and electrolyte affinity, enabling effective anode stabilization for high voltage battery operation.