Improvement in lithium cycling efficiency by using additives in lithium metal

The main reason for the reduction in lithium (Li) cycling efficiency at a low-discharge current density is the accumulation of electrochemically inert Li (dead Li) which is isolated from the Li anode. In this work, we investigated the effect of benzene or toluene as additives and their effect of an Li metal sheet with conductive carbon powder on Li-cycling efficiency. Li-cycling efficiency is improved by using the folded Li sheet with benzene adsorbed between the Li layers. This improvement results from the formation of a new film on and in Li. The cycling efficiency of Li with carbon power is also improved. The improvement is considered as a result from the recombination of dead Li through an electrical path made of carbon powder.