Lithiated Graphdiyne Quantum Dots for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes

Here, a facile strategy is proposed for the preparation of lithiated graphdiyne quantum dots (GDY-Li QDs) with conjugated spand sp2-hybridized carbons by the self-assembly technique of pi-pi stacking of lithiated hexaethynylbezene under mild conditions. The as-prepared GDY-Li QDs, containing stacked multialkynyl aromatic backbone and abundant lithium (Li), show an average diameter of about 2.6 nm and good dispersion in the solvents. These distinctive structures endow GDY-Li QDs with superior properties that cannot be matched by traditional QDs, such as strong ion adsorption, Li-ion self -concentration, high Li-ion conductivity, the nanoconfinement effect, and ion solvation regulation. Benefiting from these features, GDY-Li QDs can stabilize Li metal anodes to effectively suppress Li-dendrite growth and significantly improve its Li plating/stripping coulombic efficiency (99.3% in the carbonate electrolyte). The full cells with GDY-Li QDs protected Li-metal anodes, and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathodes delivered high capacity and excellent cycling stability at high rates, which demonstrates the great potential of GDY-Li QDs for application in fast-charging Li-metal batteries.