Phase-dependent lithium-alloying reactions for lithium-metal batteries

Lithium-rich alloy phase anodes can provide higher capacity for lithium metal batteries. However, the influence of phase transition characteristics on both the thermodynamic properties and diffusion kinetics of solid-solutions or intermetallic compounds is rarely discussed. Ji's group recently found that there are subtle structural changes and chemical potential gradients within the solid-solutions phase. The lower phase-transition energy barrier can explain the higher reversibility and cycling stability of lithium alloying/dealloying.