Abstract: Batteries including an ex-situ electrodeposition of lithium are disclosed. In various implementations, a battery may include a cathode, an anode, and a lithium layer. The anode may be positioned opposite the cathode. The anode may include a first thin film deposited on a current collector. The first thin film may include a first plurality of aggregates decorated with a first plurality of metal nanoparticles and joined together to define a first porous structure having a first conductivity. A second thin film may be deposited on the first thin film and may include a second plurality of aggregates decorated with a second plurality of metal nanoparticles and joined together to define a second porous structure having a second conductivity that is different than the first conductivity. The lithium layer may be deposited on the first and second porous structures and may have a thickness greater than 20 microns.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a battery including a cathode, an anode positioned opposite the cathode and a carbon interface layer. The carbon interface layer includes an electrically insulating flaky carbon layer conformally encapsulating the anode. A plurality of carbon nano-onions (CNOs) defining a plurality of interstitial pore volumes are interspersed throughout the electrically insulating flaky carbon layer. An electrolyte is in contact with the carbon interface layer and the cathode. A separator is positioned between the anode and the cathode. The electrically insulating flaky carbon layer can include graphene oxide (GO). The plurality of interstitial pore volumes can be configured to transport lithium (Li) ions between the anode and the cathode via the plurality of interstitial pore volumes in a bulk phase of the electrolyte. The carbon interface layer can be configured to inhibit growth of Li dendritic structures from the anode towards the cathode.