Alkali Metal Secondary Battery Containing a Carbon Matrix- or Carbon Matrix Composite-based Dendrite-Intercepting Layer

A rechargeable alkali metal battery comprising:

• (a) an anode comprising an alkali metal layer, an optional anode current collector layer, and a dendrite penetration-resistant layer comprising an amorphous matrix, a carbon-containing reinforcement phase dispersed in said matrix, and a sodium-containing species that are chemically bonded to said matrix and carbon-containing reinforcement phase to form an integral layer that prevents dendrite penetration through said integral layer in said alkali metal battery, wherein said sodium-containing species is selected from Na2CO3, Na2O, Na2C2O4, NaOH, NaX, ROCO2Na, HCONa, RONa, (ROCO2Na)2, (CH2OCO2Na)2, Na2S, NaxSOy, or a combination thereof, wherein X═F, Cl, I, or Br, R=a hydrocarbon group, 0<x≦1 and 1≦y≦4;
• and wherein said sodium-containing species is derived from an electrochemical decomposition reaction, wherein the carbon matrix is from 5% to 95% by volume of the integral layer if said carbon or graphite reinforcement phase is present, and wherein a weight ratio of the carbon matrix to the sodium-containing species is from 1/100 to 100/1;
• (b) a cathode comprising a cathode layer having a cathode active material for reversibly storing alkali metal ions and an optional cathode current collector layer to support said cathode active material;
• and
• (c) a separator and electrolyte component in contact with said anode and said cathode;
• wherein said dendrite penetration-resistant layer is disposed between said alkali metal layer and said separator.