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Planar Li Deposition and Dissolution Enable Practical Anode-Free Pouch Cells

Researchers at Westlake University have demonstrated an anode‑free lithium‑metal pouch cell that reaches 508 Wh kg⁻¹ energy density by using a crossover‑coupled electrolyte. The electrolyte creates a boron‑fluorine polymer‑rich solid‑electrolyte interphase (SEI) that is sub‑nanometer homogeneous, flexible, and enables uniform planar lithium deposition of 5.6 mAh cm⁻². The cell cycles stably for 100 full‑depth cycles and 250 cycles at 80 % depth with 80 % capacity retention, delivering 2650 W kg⁻¹ power at 96 Wh kg⁻¹. These results address the long‑standing lifespan barrier of anode‑free designs, moving them toward commercial viability.