Understanding and suppressing gas evolution in lithium metal batteries with ether-based electrolytes

Nature Chemistry, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41557-026-02219-1 Gas evolution compromises the safety and commercial viability of high-energy lithium metal batteries. Now it has been shown that CH4 generated by ether-based electrolyte decomposition at the Li anode dominates gas evolution. A facile anode activation strategy suppresses CH4-forming interfacial reactions, dramatically reducing gas evolution and extending cycle life.