Lithium-Salt Mediated Synthesis of a Covalent Triazine Framework for Highly Stable Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract

A new strategy for the synthesis of a covalent triazine framework (CTF-1) was introduced based on the cyclotrimerization reaction of 1,4-dicyanobenzene using lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) under ionothermal conditions. LiTFSI not only served as a catalyst, but also facilitated the in situ generation and homogeneous distribution of LiF particles across the framework. The hierarchical structure resulting upon integration of CTF-LiF onto an airlaid-paper (AP) offered unique features for lithium metal anodes, such as lithiophilicity from CTF, interface stabilization from LiF, and sufficient lithium storage space from AP. Based on this synergistic effect, the AP-CTF-LiF anode exhibited stable cycling performance even at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2).