Triboelectric Nanogenerator Enabled Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Batteries.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are prominent among next-generation energy-storage systems because of their high energy density. Unfortunately, the commercial application of LMBs is hindered by dendrites growth issue during charging process. Herein, we report that the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based pulse output with novel waveform and frequency has restrained the formation of dendrites in LMBs. The waveform and operation frequency of TENG can be regulated by TENG designed and smart power management circuits. By regulating the waveform and frequency of TENG based pulse output, the pulse duration time is shorter than the lithium dendrites formation time at any current of pulse waveform, and lithium-ion can replenish in the entire electrode surface during rest periods eliminating concentration polarization. Therefore, the optimized TENG based charging strategy can improve the Coulombic efficiency of lithium plating/stripping and realize the homogenous lithium plating in LMBs. This TENG based charging technology provides an innovative strategy to address the Li dendrite growth issues in LMBs, and accelerates the application of TENG based energy collection systems.