Triboelectric\nNanogenerator-Enabled Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract

Lithium\nmetal batteries (LMBs) are prominent among next-generation energy-storage\nsystems because of their high energy density. Unfortunately, the commercial\napplication of LMBs is hindered by the dendrite growth issue during\nthe charging process. Herein, we report that the triboelectric nanogenerator\n(TENG)-based pulse output with a novel waveform and frequency has\nrestrained the formation of dendrites in LMBs. The waveform and operation\nfrequency of TENG can be regulated by TENG-designed and smart power\nmanagement circuits. By regulating the waveform and frequency of the\nTENG-based pulse output, the pulse duration becomes shorter than the\nlithium dendrite formation time at any current of pulse waveform,\nand lithium ions can replenish in the entire electrode surface during\nrest periods, eliminating concentration polarization. Therefore, the\noptimized TENG-based charging strategy can improve the Coulombic efficiency\nof lithium plating/stripping and realize homogeneous lithium plating\nin LMBs. This TENG-based charging technology provides an innovative\nstrategy to address the Li dendrite growth issues in LMBs, and accelerates\nthe application of TENG-based energy collection systems.