The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

The transition to high-energy storage technologies has spotlighted lithium (Li)-metal batteries for their transformative potential in next-generation energy systems. However, their application remains premature for practical deployment due to dendritic Li growth and unstable electrode–electrolyte interfaces. To bridge this gap, polymer coatings represent a viable strategy as they induce uniform Li deposition through nanoscale morphology. Here, I report a novel bottlebrush block copolymer coating composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polystyrene (PS) side chains for Li-metal stabilization. Our design leverages a gyroid-like microphase morphology that enables uniform ion transport pathways. In this architecture, the PEG matrix serves as a lithiophilic coordination domain, while the PS-rich regions promote Li⁺ dissociation via cation–π interactions. This synergistic configuration enhances Li⁺ mobility and facilitates spatially uniform Li plating.