Smoothing the Sodium-Metal Anode with a Self-Regulating Alloy Interface for High-Energy and Sustainable Sodium-Metal Batteries

A Critical Review on Room-Temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries: From Research Advances to Practical Perspectives

Room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT-Na/S) batteries are promising alternatives for next-generation energy storage systems with high energy density and high power density. However, some notorious issues are hampering the practical application of RT-Na/S batteries. Besides, the working mechanism of RT-Na/S batteries under practical conditions such as high sulfur loading, lean electrolyte, and low capacity ratio between the negative and positive electrode (N/P ratio), is of essential importance for practical applications, yet the significance of these parameters has long been disregarded. Herein, it is comprehensively reviewed recent advances on Na metal anode, S cathode, electrolyte, and separator engineering for RT-Na/S batteries. The discrepancies between laboratory research and practical conditions are elaborately discussed, endeavors toward practical applications are highlighted, and suggestions for the practical values of the crucial parameters are rationally proposed. Furthermore, an empirical equation to estimate the actual energy density of RT-Na/S pouch cells under practical conditions is rationally proposed for the first time, making it possible to evaluate the gravimetric energy density of the cells under practical conditions. This review aims to reemphasize the vital importance of the crucial parameters for RT-Na/S batteries to bridge the gaps between laboratory research and practical applications.

Ultra-stable dendrite-free Na and Li metal anodes enabled by tin selenide host material

Lithium/sodium metal anodes are considered promising candidates to realize high-energy-density batteries because of their high theoretical specific capacity and low potential. However, their cycling stability are hindered by uncontrolled dendrites growth. Herein, SnSe nanoparticles are tightly anchored on the fiber of carbon cloth (CC) to construct SnSe@CC host material in order to control Li/Na nucleation behavior and restrain dendrites growth. It is demonstrated that the alloying product of Li15Sn4/Na15Sn4 with strong metal affinity can provide abundant active nucleation sites, and three-dimensional structure of CC host can significantly decrease the local electric current, thereby guiding homogeneous metal deposition without Li and Na dendrites. Meanwhile, the conversion product of Li2Se/Na2Se will uniformly cover on the surface of metal to serve as ultra-stable solid state interface film. As a result, high-capacity Li metal anode (20 mAh·cm-2) and Na metal anode (10 mAh·cm-2) can work steadily with ultra-long lifespans over 5000 and 6000 h with low overpotentials of 7 mV and 141 mV, respectively. Moreover, the assembled Li and Na metal full batteries exhibit superior electrochemical performances, confirming the practicability of metal anode confined in composite host. Such a strategy of conversion-alloying-type materials as hosts opens up a new path for dendrite-free metal anode electrode.

Copper Sulfide and Graphite Felt Composites as Promising Electrode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The most prominent and widely used electrical energy storage devices are lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which in recent years have become costly and deficient. Consequently, new energy storage devices must be introduced into the current market. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are starting to emerge as a promising solution because of sodium's abundance and low cost. To offer these batteries into the current market, their properties must match surpass those of LIB predecessors, necessitating the need for research in this field. In this research work, three methods of graphite felt (GF) and copper sulfide (CuxS) composite preparation using a hydrothermal approach have been explored and compared. The obtained samples exhibited different morphologies and thermal properties when different hydrothermal composite preparation methods were used. The areal charge capacitance values of these samples differed from 8.81 to 13.65 mF/cm2, and the areal discharge capacitance values differed from 10.06 to 13.65 mF/cm2. Notably, these achieved values are higher than those of the CuxS and GF single substances.

Porous Conductive Textiles for Wearable Electronics

Over the years, researchers have made significant strides in the development of novel flexible/stretchable and conductive materials, enabling the creation of cutting-edge electronic devices for wearable applications. Among these, porous conductive textiles (PCTs) have emerged as an ideal material platform for wearable electronics, owing to their light weight, flexibility, permeability, and wearing comfort. This Review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the progress and state of the art of utilizing PCTs for the design and fabrication of a wide variety of wearable electronic devices and their integrated wearable systems. To begin with, we elucidate how PCTs revolutionize the form factors of wearable electronics. We then discuss the preparation strategies of PCTs, in terms of the raw materials, fabrication processes, and key properties. Afterward, we provide detailed illustrations of how PCTs are used as basic building blocks to design and fabricate a wide variety of intrinsically flexible or stretchable devices, including sensors, actuators, therapeutic devices, energy-harvesting and storage devices, and displays. We further describe the techniques and strategies for wearable electronic systems either by hybridizing conventional off-the-shelf rigid electronic components with PCTs or by integrating multiple fibrous devices made of PCTs. Subsequently, we highlight some important wearable application scenarios in healthcare, sports and training, converging technologies, and professional specialists. At the end of the Review, we discuss the challenges and perspectives on future research directions and give overall conclusions. As the demand for more personalized and interconnected devices continues to grow, PCT-based wearables hold immense potential to redefine the landscape of wearable technology and reshape the way we live, work, and play.

Multifunctional Separator Enables High-Performance Sodium Metal Batteries in Carbonate-Based Electrolytes

Sodium metal has become one of the most promising anodes for next-generation cheap and high-energy-density metal batteries; however, challenges caused by the uncontrollable sodium dendrite growth and fragile solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) restrict their large-scale practical applications in low-cost and wide-voltage-window carbonate electrolytes. Herein, a novel multifunctional separator with lightweight and high thinness is proposed, assembled by the cobalt-based metal-organic framework nanowires (Co-NWS), to replace the widely applied thick and heavy glass fiber separator. Benefitting from its abundant sodiophilic functional groups and densely stacked nanowires, Co-NWS not only exhibits outstanding electrolyte wettability and effectively induces uniform Na+ ion flux as a strong ion redistributor but also favors constructing the robust N,F-rich SEI layer. Satisfactorily, with 10 µL carbonate electrolyte, a Na|Co-NWS|Cu half-cell delivers stable cycling (over 260 cycles) with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 98%, and the symmetric cell shows a long cycle life of more than 500 h. Remarkably, the full cell shows a long-term life span (over 1500 cycles with 92% capacity retention) at high current density in the carbonate electrolyte. This work opens up a strategy for developing dendrite-free, low-cost, and long-life-span sodium metal batteries in carbonate-based electrolytes.

Fluorinated porous frameworks enable robust anode-less sodium metal batteries

Sodium metal batteries hold great promise for energy-dense and low-cost energy storage technology but are severely impeded by catastrophic dendrite issue. State-of-the-art strategies including sodiophilic seeding/hosting interphase design manifest great success on dendrite suppression, while neglecting unavoidable interphase-depleted Na+ before plating, which poses excessive Na use, sacrificed output voltage and ultimately reduced energy density. We here demonstrate that elaborate-designed fluorinated porous framework could simultaneously realize superior sodiophilicity yet negligible interphase-consumed Na+ for dendrite-free and durable Na batteries. As elucidated by physicochemical and theoretical characterizations, well-defined fluorinated edges on porous channels are responsible for both high affinities ensuring uniform deposition and low reactivity rendering superior Na+ utilization for plating. Accordingly, synergistic performance enhancement is achieved with stable 400 cycles and superior plateau to sloping capacity ratio in anode-free batteries. Proof-of-concept pouch cells deliver an energy density of 325 Watt-hours per kilogram and robust 300 cycles under anode-less condition, opening an avenue with great extendibility for the practical deployment of metal batteries.

Reversible Na Plating/Stripping with High Areal Capacity Using an Electroconductive Liquid Electrolyte System

Anode-free sodium-metal batteries (AFSMBs) are promising candidates for maximizing energy density and minimizing cost and safety hazards in the absence of metallic sodium during cell assembly. The practical implementation of AFSMBs is hindered by the low cycling stability of Na-metal plating and stripping, particularly under high areal capacities, due to unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formation with electrolyte decomposition and inactive dead Na formation. Here, we proposed an electroconductive electrolyte system consisting of liquid electrolytes that accept electrons at a certain energy level and form electronically conductive and solid electrolytes that prevent internal short circuit through low electronic conductivity. The electron acceptability and high electronic conductivity of the liquid electrolyte can suppress the irreversible electron transfer with electrolyte decomposition and reutilize the inactive dead metal, respectively. The functions of the system were demonstrated using a sodium biphenyl liquid electrolyte-NASICON solid electrolyte in a seawater battery (SWB) system, which features an infinite sodium source. The anode-free SWB cells achieved a high Coulombic efficiency of ≥99.9% for over 60 cycles at a high areal capacity of ∼24 mAh/cm2. This study provides insight into the Na plating/stripping properties in anode-free systems and proposes a significant strategy for improving the reversibility of metal anodes for various battery systems with solid electrolytes.

Suppression of Interphase Dissolution Via Solvent Molecule Tuning for Sodium Metal Batteries

Solvent molecule tuning is used to alter the redox potentials of solvents or ion-solvent binding energy for high-voltage or low-temperature electrolytes. Herein, an electrolyte design strategy that effectively suppresses solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) dissolution and passivates highly-reactive metallic Na anode via solvent molecule tuning is proposed. With rationally lengthened phosphate backbones with ─CH2 ─ units, the low-solvation tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TOP) molecule effectively weakens the solvation ability of carbonate-based electrolytes, reduces the free solvent ratio, and enables an anion-enriched primary Na+ ion solvation sheath. The decreased free solvent and compact lower-solubility interphase established in this electrolyte prevent electrodes from continuous SEI dissolution and parasitic reactions at both room temperature (RT) and high temperature (HT). As a result, the Na/Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 cell with the new electrolyte achieves impressive cycling stability of 95.7% capacity retention after 1800 cycles at 25 °C and 62.1% capacity retention after 700 cycles at 60 °C. Moreover, the TOP molecule not only maintains the nonflammable feature of phosphate but also attains higher thermal stability, which endows the electrolyte with high safety and thermal stability. This design concept for electrolytes offers a promising path to long-cycling and high-safety sodium metal batteries.

Optimizing the Fermi Level of a 3D Current Collector with Ni3 S2 /Ni3 P Heterostructure for Dendrite-Free Sodium-Metal Batteries

Rechargeable sodium-metal batteries (RSMBs) with high energy density and low cost are attracting extensive attention as promising energy-storage technologies. However, the poor cyclability and safety issues caused by unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) structure and dendrite issues limit their practical application. Herein, it is theoretically predicted that constructing the Ni₃ S₂ /Ni₃ P heterostructure with high work function can lower the Fermi energy level, and therefore effectively suppressing continuous electrolyte decomposition derived from the electron-tunneling effect after long-term sodiation process. Furthermore, the Ni₃ S₂ /Ni₃ P heterostructure on 3D porous nickel foam (Ni₃ S₂ /Ni₃ P@NF) is experimentally fabricated as an advanced Na-anode current collector. The seamless Ni₃ S₂ /Ni₃ P heterostructure not only offers abundant active sites to induce uniform Na⁺ deposition and enhance ion-transport kinetics, but also facilitates the formation of stable SEI for dendrite-free sodium anode, which are confirmed by cryogenic components transmission electron microscopy tests and in situ spectroscopy characterization. As a result, the Na-composite anode (Ni₃ S₂ /Ni₃ P@NF@Na) delivers stable plating/stripping process of 5000 h and high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% over 2500 cycles. More impressively, the assembled sodium-ion full cell displays ultralong cycle life of 10 000 cycles at 20 C. The strategy of stabilizing the sodium-metal anode gives fundamental insight into the potential construction of advanced RSMBs.

Metallic Glass-Fiber Fabrics: A New Type of Flexible, Super-Lightweight, and 3D Current Collector for Lithium Batteries

Current collectors are indispensable parts that provide electron transport and mechanical support of electrode materials in a battery. Nowadays, thin metal foils made of Cu and Al are used as current collectors of lithium batteries, but they do not contribute to the storage capacity. Therefore, decreasing the weight of current collectors can directly enhance the energy density of a battery. However, limited by the requirements of mechanical strength, it is difficult to reduce the weight of metal foils any further. Herein, a new type of current collectors made of 3D metallic glass-fiber fabrics (MGFs), which shows advantages of super-lightweight (2.9-3.2 mg cm⁻² ), outstanding electrochemical stability for cathodes and anodes of lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries (LMBs), fire resistance, high strength, and flexibility suitable for roll-to-roll electrode fabrication is reported. The gravimetric energy densities of lithium batteries exhibit improvements of 9-18% by only replacing the metal foils with the MGFs. In addition, MGFs are suitable for the fabrication of flexible batteries. A high-energy-density flexible lithium battery with an outstanding figure of merit of flexible battery (fb_FOM ) and flexing stability is demonstrated.

Anode-free Na metal batteries developed by nearly fully reversible Na plating on the Zn surface

The anode-free battery architecture has recently emerged as a promising platform for lithium and sodium metal batteries as it not only offers the highest possible energy density, but also eliminates the need for handling hazardous metal electrodes during cell manufacturing. However, such batteries usually suffer from much faster capacity decay and are much more sensitive to even trace levels of irreversible side reactions on the anode, especially for the more reactive Na metal. This work systematically investigates electrochemical interfaces for Na plating and stripping and describes the use of the Zn surface to develop nearly fully reversible Na anodes with 1.0 M NaPF₆ in a diglyme-based electrolyte. The high performance includes consistently higher than 99.9% faradaic efficiencies for a wide range of cycling currents between 0.5 and 10 mA cm^-2, much more stable interfacial resistance and nearly no formation of mossy Na after 500 cycles compared with conventional Al and Cu surfaces. This improved reversibility was further confirmed under lean electrolyte conditions with a wide range of electrolyte concentrations and cycling temperatures and can be attributed to the strong interfacial binding and intrinsic sodiophilic properties of the Zn surface with Na, which not only ensured uniform Na plating but also eliminated most side reactions that would otherwise cause electrolyte depletion. As a result, full cells assembled with Na-free Zn foil and a high capacity Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode delivered ∼90% capacity retention for 100 cycles, higher than the 73% retention of Cu foils and much higher than the 39% retention of Al foils. This work provides new approaches to enable stable cycling of anode-free batteries and contribute to their applications in practical devices.

Stable Sodium-Metal Batteries in Carbonate Electrolytes Achieved by Bifunctional, Sustainable Separators with Tailored Alignment

Sodium (Na) is the most appealing alternative to lithium as an anode material for cost-effective, high-energy-density energy-storage systems by virtue of its high theoretical capacity and abundance as a resource. However, the uncontrolled growth of Na dendrites and the limited cell cycle life impede the large-scale practical implementation of Na-metal batteries (SMBs) in commonly used and low-cost carbonate electrolytes. Herein, the employment of a novel bifunctional electrospun nanofibrous separator comprising well-ordered, uniaxially aligned arrays, and abundant sodiophilic functional groups is presented for SMBs. By tailoring the alignment degree, this unique separator integrates with the merits of serving as highly aligned ion-redistributors to self-orientate/homogenize the flux of Na-ions from a chemical molecule level and physically suppressing Na dendrite puncture at a mechanical structure level. Remarkably, unprecedented long-term cycling performances at high current densities (≥1000 h at 1 and 3 mA cm^-2 , ≥700 h at 5 mA cm^-2 ) of symmetric cells are achieved in additive-free carbonate electrolytes. Moreover, the corresponding sodium-organic battery demonstrates a high energy density and prolonged cyclability over 1000 cycles. This work opens up a new and facile avenue for the development of stable, low-cost, and safe-credible SMBs, which could be readily extended to other alkali-metal batteries.

Rational Design of an Artificial SEI: Alloy/Solid Electrolyte Hybrid Layer for a Highly Reversible Na and K Metal Anode

The practical application of a Na/K-metallic anode is intrinsically hindered by the poor cycle life and safety issues due to the unstable electrode/electrolyte interface and uncontrolled dendrite growth during cycling. Herein, we solve these issues through an in situ reaction of an oxyhalogenide (BiOCl) and Na to construct an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer consisting of an alloy (Na₃Bi) and a solid electrolyte (Na₃OCl) on the surface of the Na anode. As demonstrated by theoretical and experimental results, such an artificial SEI layer combines the synergistic properties of high ionic conductivity, electronic insulation, and interfacial stability, leading to uniform dendrite-free Na deposition beneath the hybrid SEI layer. The protected Na anode presents a low voltage polarization of 30 mV, achieving an extended cycling life of 700 h at 1 mA cm^-2 in the carbonate-based electrolyte. The full cell based on the Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode and hybrid SEI-protected Na anode shows long-term stability. When this strategy is applied to a K metal anode, the protected K anode also reaches a cycling life of over 4000 h at 0.5 mA cm^-2 with a low voltage polarization of 100 mV. Our work provides an important insight into the design principles of a stable artificial SEI layer for high-energy-density metal batteries.

Highly Reversible Sodium Metal Battery Anodes via Alloying Heterointerfaces

As a promising pathway toward low-cost, long-duration energy storage, rechargeable sodium batteries are of increasing interest. Batteries that incorporate metallic sodium as anode promise a high theoretical specific capacity of 1166 mAh g^-1 , and low reduction potential of -2.71 V. The high reactivity and poor electrochemical reversibility of sodium anodes render sodium metal anode (SMA) cells among the most challenging for practical implementation. Here, the failure mechanisms of Na anodes are investigated and the authors report that loss of morphological control is not the fundamental cause of failure. Rather, it is the inherently poor anchoring/root structure of electrodeposited Na to the electrode substrate that leads to poor reversibility and cell failure. Poorly anchored Na deposits are prone to break away from the current collector, producing orphaning and poor anode utilization. Thin metallic coatings in a range of chemistries are proposed and evaluated as SMA substrates. Based on thermodynamic and ion transport considerations, such substrates undergo reversible alloying reactions with Na and are hypothesized to promote good root growth-regardless of the morphology. Among the various options, Au stands out for its ability to support long Na anode lifetime and high reversibility (Coulombic Efficiency > 98%), for coating thicknesses in the range of 10-1000 nm. As a first step toward evaluating practical utility of the anodes, their performance in Na||SPAN cells with N:P ratio close to 1:1 is evaluated.

Research Progress and Perspective on Lithium/Sodium Metal Anodes for Next-Generation Rechargeable Batteries

With the development of consumer electronic devices and electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are vital components for high energy storage with great impact on our modern life. However, LIBs still cannot meet all the essential demands of rapidly growing new industries. In pursuance of higher energy requirement, metal batteries (MBs) are the next-generation high-energy-density devices. Li/Na metals are considered as an ideal anode for high-energy batteries due to extremely high theoretical specific capacity (3860 and 1165 mAh g^-1 for Li and Na, respectively) and low electrochemical potential (-3.04 V for Li and -2.71 V for Na vs. standard hydrogen electrode). Unfortunately, uncontrolled dendrite growth, high reactivity, and infinite volume change induce severe safety concerns and poor cycle efficiency during their application. Consequently, MBs are far from commercialization stage. This Review represents a comprehensive overview of failure mechanism of lithium/sodium metal anode and its progress for rechargeable batteries through (i) electrolyte optimization, (ii) artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formation, and (iii) nanoengineering at materials level in current collector, anode, and host. The challenges in current MBs research and potential applications of lithium/sodium metal anodes are also outlined and summarized.

Tailoring Ultrafast and High-Capacity Sodium Storage via Binding-Energy-Driven Atomic Scissors

Controllably tailoring alloying anode materials to achieve fast charging and enhanced structural stability is crucial for sodium-ion batteries with high rate and high capacity performance, yet remains a significant challenge owing to the huge volume change and sluggish sodiation kinetics. Here, a chemical tailoring tool is proposed and developed by atomically dispersing high-capacity Ge metal into the rigid and conductive sulfide framework for controllable reconstruction of GeS bonds to synergistically realize high capacity and high rate performance for sodium storage. The integrated GeTiS₃ material with stable Ti-S framework and weak GeS bonding delivers high specific capacities of 678 mA h g^-1 at 0.3 C over 100 cycles and 209 mA h g^-1 at 32 C over 10 000 cycles, outperforming most of the reported alloying type anode materials for sodium storage. Interestingly, in situ Raman, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations reveal the formation of well-dispersed Na_x Ge confined in the rigid Ti-S matrix with suppressed volume change after discharge. The synergistically coupled alloying-conversion and surface-dominated redox reactions with enhanced capacitive contribution and high reaction reversibility by a binding-energy-driven atomic scissors method would break new ground on designing a high-rate and high-capacity sodium-ion batteries.

Highly Potassiophilic Graphdiyne Skeletons Decorated with Cu Quantum Dots Enable Dendrite-Free Potassium-Metal Anodes

Employing an Al foil current collector at the potassium anode side is an ideal choice to entail low-cost and high-energy potassium-metal batteries (PMBs). Nevertheless, the poor affinity between the potassium and the planar Al can cause uneven K plating/stripping and, hence, an undermined anode performance, which remains a significant challenge to be addressed. Herein, a nitrogen-doped carbon@graphdiyne (NC@GDY)-modified Al current collector affording potassiophilic properties is proposed, which simultaneously suppresses the dendrite growth and prolongs the lifespan of K anodes. The thin and light modification layer (7 µm thick, with a mass loading of 500 µg cm^-2 ) is fabricated by directly growing GDY nanosheets interspersed with Cu quantum dots on NC polyhedron templates. As a result, symmetric cell tests reveal that the K@NC@GDY-Al electrode exhibits an unprecedented cycle life of over 2400 h at a 40% depth of discharge. Even at an 80% depth of discharge, the cell can still sustain for 850 h. When paired with a potassium Prussian blue cathode, the thus-assembled full cell demonstrates comparable capacity and rate performance with state-of-the-art PMBs.

Atomic Sn-enabled high-utilization, large-capacity, and long-life Na anode

Constructing robust nucleation sites with an ultrafine size in a confined environment is essential toward simultaneously achieving superior utilization, high capacity, and long-term durability in Na metal-based energy storage, yet remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a previously unexplored design of spatially confined atomic Sn in hollow carbon spheres for homogeneous nucleation and dendrite-free growth. The designed architecture maximizes Sn utilization, prevents agglomeration, mitigates volume variation, and allows complete alloying-dealloying with high-affinity Sn as persistent nucleation sites, contrary to conventional spatially exposed large-size ones without dealloying. Thus, conformal deposition is achieved, rendering an exceptional capacity of 16 mAh cm^-2 in half-cells and long cycling over 7000 hours in symmetric cells. Moreover, the well-known paradox is surmounted, delivering record-high Na utilization (e.g., 85%) and large capacity (e.g., 8 mAh cm^-2) while maintaining extraordinary durability over 5000 hours, representing an important breakthrough for stabilizing Na anode.

Artificial Heterogeneous Interphase Layer with Boosted Ion Affinity and Diffusion for Na/K-Metal Batteries

Metallic Na (K) are considered a promising anode materials for Na-metal and K-metal batteries because of their high theoretical capacity, low electrode potential, and abundant resources. However, the uncontrolled growth of Na (K) dendrites severely damages the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface, resulting in battery failure. Herein, a heterogeneous interface layer consisting of metal vanadium nanoparticles and sodium sulfide (potassium sulfide) is introduced on the surface of a Na (K) foil (i.e., Na₂ S/V/Na or K₂ S/V/K). Experimental studies and theoretical calculations indicate that a heterogeneous Na₂ S/V (K₂ S/V) protective layer can effectively improve Na (K)-ion adsorption and diffusion kinetics, inhibiting the growth of Na (K) dendrites during Na (K) plating/stripping. Based on the novel design of the heterogeneous layer, the symmetric Na₂ S/V/Na cell displays a long lifespan of over 1000 h in a carbonate-based electrolyte, and the K₂ S/V/K electrode can operate for over 1300 h at 0.5 mA cm^-2 with a capacity of 0.5 mAh cm^-2 . Moreover, the Na full cell (Na₃ V₂ (PO₄ )₃ ||Na₂ S/V/Na) exhibits a high energy density of 375 Wh kg^-1 and a high power density of 23.5 kW kg^-1 . The achievements support the development of heterogeneous protective layers for other high-energy-density metal batteries.

A stable liquid-solid interface of a lithium metal anode enabled by micro-region meshing

Although lithium metal is regarded as the most promising anode for high energy density lithium ion batteries, the unstable solid-liquid interface during cycling severely shortens the battery lifetime. The Li deposition behavior is greatly influenced by the current density distribution on the surface of the electrode, which is significantly associated with the electrode structure. A well-designed electrode structure plays a key role in stabilizing the solid-liquid interface of the Li metal anode. In this work, a lithiophilic honeycomb-like Ni₃N nanosheet array modified Ni foam (Ni₃N@NF) is prepared to stabilize the lithium metal anode. The honeycomb-like Ni₃N nanosheet arrays divide the surface of Ni foam into numerous micro-regions, enabling Li to independently deposit in each mesh. Besides, Li₃N is generated resulting from the in situ reaction between Li and Ni₃N, improving the transportation of Li-ions. Consequently, a symmetrical cell of Ni₃N@NF-Li||Ni₃N@NF-Li achieves stable Li plating/stripping behavior for over 1500 h at a current density of 1 mA cm^-2. Besides, a full cell of Ni₃N@NF-Li||LiFePO₄ exhibits enhanced cycling stability and outstanding rate performance.