Lithium
(Li) anodes are not stable in most organic electrolytes
upon cycling, which is an urgent issue in next-generation Li metal
batteries (LMBs) for durable high-energy-density storage. Enhancing
the Li plating uniformity is commonly believed to be decisive for
stabilizing the Li metal anode. However, here it is found that prohibiting
e– escape to the electrode surface for suppressing
electrolyte decomposition is a more critical action than Li plating
morphology control in LMB performances. A Li-intercalated interlayer,
obtained through the lithiation of an orthorhombic Nb2O5 precursor layer with disproportionate Nb4+/Nb5+ components, is involved as the model Li protection structure
with high structural integrality, fast Li+ conducting channels,
and, more importantly, strong e– withdrawing ability.
The Li anode performance gained by this advanced interlayer significantly
exceeds that by the conventional lithiophilic interlayer, particularly
under limited-Li-source conditions. Our findings provide alternative
guidelines for protective interlayer construction to achieve reliable
and safe LMBs.