METHOD OF IMPROVING CYCLE LIFE OF A RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM METAL BATTERY

Provided is a method of improving the cycle-life of a lithium metal secondary battery, the method comprising implementing an anode-protecting layer between an anode active material layer (or an anode current collector layer substantially without any lithium when the battery is made) and a porous separator/electrolyte assembly, wherein the anode-protecting layer is in a close physical contact with the anode active material layer (or the anode current collector), has a thickness from 10 nm to 500 μm and comprises an elastic polymer foam having a fully recoverable compressive elastic strain from 2% to 500% and interconnected pores and wherein the anode active material layer contains a layer of lithium or lithium alloy, in a form of a foil, coating, or multiple particles aggregated together, as an anode active material.