Fig. 1

Designing concept of tuning redistribution of Li ion concentration. The nucleation model with barren and rich Li ion concentration at negative surface. Barren Li ion profile in a makes the nucleation sites uncontrollable, resulting in uneven Li deposits. Rich Li ion profile distribution in b realize idealized nucleation sites. c and d Schematic illustration describing Li ion plating behavior in ether-based and MIP-based electrolyte, respectively. The diffusion limited of Li ions in ether-based electrolyte results extremely low Li ion concentrations at Cu surface under an electric field. Electro-kinetic pumping phenomena in MIP-based electrolyte allows Li ion self-concentrate at the interface of electrode/electrolyte. The arrows in c, d represent the movement of the cations. e Optical images of ether- and MIP-based electrolyte