Viability of all-solid-state lithium metal battery coupled with oxide solid-state electrolyte and high-capacity cathode

Owing to the utilization of lithium metal as anode with the ultrahigh theoretical capacity density of 3860 mA h g^(-1)and oxide-based ceramic solid-state electrolytes(SE),e.g.,garnet-type Li7La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12)(LLZO),all-state-state lithium metal batteries(ASLMBs)have been widely accepted as the promising alternatives for providing the satisfactory energy density and safety.However,its applications are still challenged by plenty of technical and scientific issues.In this contribution,the co-sintering temperature at 500℃is proved as a compromise method to fabricate the composite cathode with structural integrity and declined capacity fading of LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O_(2)(NCM).On the other hand,it tends to form weaker grain boundary(GB)inside polycrystalline LLZO at inadequate sintering temperature for LLZO,which can induce the intergranular failure of SE during the growth of Li filament inside the unavoidable defect on the interface of SE.Therefore,increasing the strength of GB,refining the grain to 0.4μm,and precluding the interfacial defect are suggested to postpone the electro-chemo-mechanical failure of SE with weak GB.Moreover,the advanced sintering techniques to lower the co-sintering temperature for both NCM-LLZO composite cathode and LLZO SE can be posted out to realize the viability of state-of-the-art ASLMBs with higher energy density as well as the guaranteed safety.

Modification of Li Anode with Perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane to Enhance the Performance of Lithium Metal Battery

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the surface of lithium metal anodes can dictate the electrochemical performance of lithium-metal-based batteries. Due to ineffective adhesion, the natural SEI layer may detach from the lithium negative electrode during interface fluctuations, thereby deteriorating the electrochemical performance of lithium-metal-based batteries. This work introduces perfluorosiloxane coupling agents as interfacial adhesion promoters, chemically bonding and physically entangling the lithium metal with the SEI via the formation of Li-O-Si bonds with the inorganic reactive groups anchoring to the Li substrate and the organic functional groups participating in the formation of the SEI layer, thus binding with its components. Lithium metal batteries modified with silane coupling agents exhibit superior electrochemical performance compared to unmodified lithium metal batteries. The modified lithium metal battery retains a specific capacity of 162 mAh/g after 200 cycles, while the unmodified lithium metal battery only retains 140 mAh/g.

Highly Efficient Aligned Ion‑Conducting Network and Interface Chemistries for Depolarized All‑Solid‑State Lithium Metal Batteries

Improving the long-term cycling stability and energy density of all-solid-state lithium(Li)-metal batteries(ASSLMBs)at room temperature is a severe challenge because of the notorious solid–solid interfacial contact loss and sluggish ion transport.Solid electrolytes are generally studied as two-dimensional(2D)structures with planar interfaces,showing limited interfacial contact and further resulting in unstable Li/electrolyte and cathode/electrolyte interfaces.Herein,three-dimensional(3D)architecturally designed composite solid electrolytes are developed with independently controlled structural factors using 3D printing processing and post-curing treatment.Multiple-type electrolyte films with vertical-aligned micro-pillar(p-3DSE)and spiral(s-3DSE)structures are rationally designed and developed,which can be employed for both Li metal anode and cathode in terms of accelerating the Li+transport within electrodes and reinforcing the interfacial adhesion.The printed p-3DSE delivers robust long-term cycle life of up to 2600 cycles and a high critical current density of 1.92 mA cm^(−2).The optimized electrolyte structure could lead to ASSLMBs with a superior full-cell areal capacity of 2.75 mAh cm^(−2)(LFP)and 3.92 mAh cm^(−2)(NCM811).This unique design provides enhancements for both anode and cathode electrodes,thereby alleviating interfacial degradation induced by dendrite growth and contact loss.The approach in this study opens a new design strategy for advanced composite solid polymer electrolytes in ASSLMBs operating under high rates/capacities and room temperature.

12.6μm-Thick Asymmetric Composite Electrolyte with Superior Interfacial Stability for Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries

Solid-state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs)show great promise in terms of high-energy-density and high-safety performance.However,there is an urgent need to address the compatibility of electrolytes with high-voltage cathodes/Li anodes,and to minimize the electrolyte thickness to achieve highenergy-density of SSLMBs.Herein,we develop an ultrathin(12.6μm)asymmetric composite solid-state electrolyte with ultralight areal density(1.69 mg cm^(−2))for SSLMBs.The electrolyte combining a garnet(LLZO)layer and a metal organic framework(MOF)layer,which are fabricated on both sides of the polyethylene(PE)separator separately by tape casting.The PE separator endows the electrolyte with flexibility and excellent mechanical properties.The LLZO layer on the cathode side ensures high chemical stability at high voltage.The MOF layer on the anode side achieves a stable electric field and uniform Li flux,thus promoting uniform Li^(+)deposition.Thanks to the well-designed structure,the Li symmetric battery exhibits an ultralong cycle life(5000 h),and high-voltage SSLMBs achieve stable cycle performance.The assembled pouch cells provided a gravimetric/volume energy density of 344.0 Wh kg^(−1)/773.1 Wh L^(−1).This simple operation allows for large-scale preparation,and the design concept of ultrathin asymmetric structure also reveals the future development direction of SSLMBs.

Unique double-layer solid electrolyte interphase formed with fluorinated ether-based electrolytes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries

Li metal batteries using high-voltage layered oxides cathodes are of particular interest due to their high energy density.However,they suffer from short lifespan and extreme safety concerns,which are attributed to the degradation of layered oxides and the decomposition of electrolyte at high voltage,as well as the high reactivity of metallic Li.The key is the development of stable electrolytes against both highvoltage cathodes and Li with the formation of robust interphase films on the surfaces.Herein,we report a highly fluorinated ether,1,1,1-trifluoro-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methoxy]ethane(TTME),as a cosolvent,which not only functions as a diluent forming a localized high concentration electrolyte(LHCE),but also participates in the construction of the inner solvation structure.The TTME-based electrolyte is stable itself at high voltage and induces the formation of a unique double-layer solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)film,which is embodied as one layer rich in crystalline structural components for enhanced mechanical strength and another amorphous layer with a higher concentration of organic components for enhanced flexibility.The Li||Cu cells display a noticeably high Coulombic efficiency of 99.28%after 300 cycles and Li symmetric cells maintain stable cycling more than 3200 h at 0.5 mA/cm^(2) and 1.0m Ah/cm^(2).In addition,lithium metal cells using LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2) and Li CoO_(2) cathodes(both loadings~3.0 m Ah/cm^(2))realize capacity retentions of>85%over 240 cycles with a charge cut-off voltage of 4.4 V and 90%for 170 cycles with a charge cut-off voltage of 4.5 V,respectively.This study offers a bifunctional ether-based electrolyte solvent beneficial for high-voltage Li metal batteries.

How Does Stacking Pressure Affect the Performance of Solid Electrolytes and All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries?

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries(ASSLMBs)with solid electrolytes(SEs)have emerged as a promising alternative to liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries due to their higher energy density and safety.However,since ASSLMBs lack the wetting properties of liquid electrolytes,they require stacking pressure to prevent contact loss between electrodes and SEs.Though previous studies showed that stacking pressure could impact certain performance aspects,a comprehensive investigation into the effects of stacking pressure has not been conducted.To address this gap,we utilized the Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl solid electrolyte as a reference and investigated the effects of stacking pressures on the performance of SEs and ASSLMBs.We also developed models to explain the underlying origin of these effects and predict battery performance,such as ionic conductivity and critical current density.Our results demonstrated that an appropriate stacking pressure is necessary to achieve optimal performance,and each step of applying pressure requires a specific pressure value.These findings can help explain discrepancies in the literature and provide guidance to establish standardized testing conditions and reporting benchmarks for ASSLMBs.Overall,this study contributes to the understanding of the impact of stacking pressure on the performance of ASSLMBs and highlights the importance of careful pressure optimization for optimal battery performance.

From Liquid to Solid‑State Lithium Metal Batteries:Fundamental Issues and Recent Developments

The widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries has been driven by the proliferation of portable electronic devices and electric vehicles,which have increasingly stringent energy density requirements.Lithium metal batteries(LMBs),with their ultralow reduction potential and high theoretical capacity,are widely regarded as the most promising technical pathway for achieving high energy density batteries.In this review,we provide a comprehensive overview of fundamental issues related to high reactivity and migrated interfaces in LMBs.Furthermore,we propose improved strategies involving interface engineering,3D current collector design,electrolyte optimization,separator modification,application of alloyed anodes,and external field regulation to address these challenges.The utilization of solid-state electrolytes can significantly enhance the safety of LMBs and represents the only viable approach for advancing them.This review also encompasses the variation in fundamental issues and design strategies for the transition from liquid to solid electrolytes.Particularly noteworthy is that the introduction of SSEs will exacerbate differences in electrochemical and mechanical properties at the interface,leading to increased interface inhomogeneity—a critical factor contributing to failure in all-solidstate lithium metal batteries.Based on recent research works,this perspective highlights the current status of research on developing high-performance LMBs.

Enabling an Inorganic-Rich Interface via Cationic Surfactant for High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

An anion-rich electric double layer(EDL)region is favorable for fabricating an inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI)towards stable lithium metal anode in ester electrolyte.Herein,cetyltrimethylammonium bromide(CTAB),a cationic surfactant,is adopted to draw more anions into EDL by ionic interactions that shield the repelling force on anions during lithium plating.In situ electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy results combined with molecular dynamics simulations validate the enrichment of NO_(3)^(−)/FSI−anions in the EDL region due to the positively charged CTA^(+).In-depth analysis of SEI structure by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry results confirmed the formation of the inorganic-rich SEI,which helps improve the kinetics of Li^(+)transfer,lower the charge transfer activation energy,and homogenize Li deposition.As a result,the Li||Li symmetric cell in the designed electrolyte displays a prolongated cycling time from 500 to 1300 h compared to that in the blank electrolyte at 0.5 mA cm^(-2) with a capacity of 1 mAh cm^(-2).Moreover,Li||LiFePO_(4) and Li||LiCoO_(2) with a high cathode mass loading of>10 mg cm^(-2) can be stably cycled over 180 cycles.

Bifunctional TiO_(2-x)nanofibers enhanced gel polymer electrolyte for high performance lithium metal batteries

Exploration of advanced gel polymer electrolytes(GPEs)represents a viable strategy for mitigating dendritic lithium(Li)growth,which is crucial in ensuring the safe operation of high energy density Li metal batteries(LMBs).Despite this,the application of GPEs is still hindered by inadequate ionic conductivity,low Li^(+)transference number,and subpar physicochemical properties.Herein,Ti O_(2-x)nanofibers(NF)with oxygen vacancy defects were synthesized by a one-step process as inorganic fillers to enhance the thermal/mechanical/ionic-transportation performances of composite GPEs.Various characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the oxygen vacancies on the surface of Ti O_(2-x)NF accelerate the dissociation of Li PF_6,promote the rapid transfer of free Li^(+),and influence the formation of Li F-enriched solid electrolyte interphase.Consequently,the composite GPEs demonstrate enhanced ionic conductivity(1.90m S cm^(-1)at room temperature),higher lithium-ion transference number(0.70),wider electrochemical stability window(5.50 V),superior mechanical strength,excellent thermal stability(210℃),and improved compatibility with lithium,resulting in superior cycling stability and rate performance in both Li||Li,Li||Li Fe PO_(4),and Li||Li Ni_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)cells.Overall,the synergistic influence of nanofiber morphology and enriched oxygen vacancy structure of fillers on electrochemical properties of composite GPEs is comprehensively investigated,thus,it is anticipated to shed new light on designing high-performance GPEs LMBs.

Regulation of Lithium-Ion Flux by Nanotopology Lithiophilic Boron-Oxygen Dipole in Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium-Metal Batteries

Inhomogeneous lithium-ion(Li^(+))deposition is one of the most crucial problems,which severely deteriorates the performance of solid-state lithium metal batteries(LMBs).Herein,we discovered that covalent organic framework(COF-1)with periodically arranged boron-oxygen dipole lithiophilic sites could directionally guide Li^(+)even deposition in asymmetric solid polymer electrolytes.This in situ prepared 3D cross-linked network Poly(ACMO-MBA)hybrid electrolyte simultaneously delivers outstanding ionic conductivity(1.02×10^(-3)S cm^(-1)at 30°C)and excellent mechanical property(3.5 MPa).The defined nanosized channel in COF-1 selectively conducts Li^(+)increasing Li^(+)transference number to 0.67.Besides,The COF-1 layer and Poly(ACMO-MBA)also participate in forming a boron-rich and nitrogen-rich solid electrolyte interface to further improve the interfacial stability.The Li‖Li symmetric cell exhibits remarkable cyclic stability over 1000 h.The Li‖NCM523 full cell also delivers an outstanding lifespan over 400 cycles.Moreover,the Li‖LiFePO_(4)full cell stably cycles with a capacity retention of 85%after 500 cycles.the Li‖LiFePO_(4)pouch full exhibits excellent safety performance under pierced and cut conditions.This work thereby further broadens and complements the application of COF materials in polymer electrolyte for dendrite-free and high-energy-density solid-state LMBs.

High-performance all-solid-state polymer electrolyte with fast conductivity pathway formed by hierarchical structure polyamide 6 nanofiber for lithium metal battery

The utilization of all-solid-state electrolytes is considered to be an effective way to enhance the safety performance of lithium metal batteries.However,the low ionic conductivity and poor interface compatibility greatly restrict the development of all-solid-state battery.In this study,a composite electrolyte combining the electrospun polyamide 6(PA6)nanofiber membrane with hierarchical structure and the polyethylene oxide(PEO)polymer is investigated.The introduction of PA6 nanofiber membrane can effectively reduce the crystallinity of the polymer,so that the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte can be enhanced.Moreover,it is found that the presence of finely branched fibers in the hierarchical structure PA6 membrane allows the polar functional groups(C=O and N-H bonds)to be fully exposed,which provides sufficient functional sites for lithium ion transport and helps to regulate the uniform deposition of lithium metal.Moreover,the hierarchical structure can enhance the mechanical strength(9.2 MPa)of the electrolyte,thereby effectively improving the safety and cycle stability of the battery.The prepared Li/Li symmetric battery can be stably cycled for 1500 h under 0.3 mA cm^(-2) and 60℃.This study demonstrates that the prepared electrolyte has excellent application prospects in the next generation all-solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Converting an O-vacancy-rich oxide into a multifunctional separator modifier for long-lifespan lithium metal batteries

The lithium metal anode is hailed as the desired "holy grail" for the forthcoming generation of highenergy-density batteries,given its astounding theoretical capacity and low potential.Nonetheless,the formation and growth of dendrites seriously compromise battery life and safety.Herein,an yttriastabilized bismuth oxide(YSB) layer is fabricated on the polypropylene(PP) separator,where YSB reacts with Li anode in-situ in the cell to form a multi-component composite interlayer consisting of Li_(3)Bi,Li_(2)O,and Y_(2)O_(3).The interlayer can function not only as a redistributor to regulate Li^(+) distribution but also as an anion adsorber to increase the Li^(+) transference number from 0.37 to 0.79 for suppressing dendrite nucleation and growth.Consequently,compared with the cell with a baseline separator,those with modified separators exhibit prolonged lifespan in both Li/Li symmetrical cells and Li/Cu half-cells.Notably,the full cells coupled with ultrahigh-loading LiFePO_(4) display an excellent cycling performance of 1700 cycles with a high capacity retention of ~80% at 1 C,exhibiting great potential for practical applications.This work provides a feasible and effective new strategy for separator modification towards building a much-anticipated dendrite-free Li anode and realizing long-lifespan lithium metal batteries.

An ultrathin and robust single-ion conducting interfacial layer for dendrite-free lithium metal batteries

The practical application of rechargeable lithium metal batteries(LMBs) encounters significant challenges due to the notorious dendrite growth triggered by uneven Li deposition behaviors. In this work,a mechanically robust and single-ion-conducting interfacial layer, fulfilled by the strategic integration of flexible cellulose acetate(CA) matrix with rigid graphene oxide(GO) and Li F fillers(termed the CGL layer), is rationally devised to serve as a stabilizer for dendrite-free lithium(Li) metal batteries. The GCL film exhibits favorable mechanical properties with high modulus and flexibility that help to relieve interface fluctuations. More crucially, the electron-donating carbonyl groups(C=O) enriched in GCL foster a strengthened correlation with Li^(+), which availably aids the Li^(+)desolvation process and expedites facile Li^(+)mobility, yielding exceptional Li^(+) transference number of 0.87. Such single-ion conductive properties regulate rapid and uniform interfacial transport kinetics, mitigating the growth of Li dendrites and the decomposition of electrolytes. Consequently, stable Li anode with prolonged cycle stabilities and flat deposition morphologies are realized. The Li||LiFePO_(4) full cells with CGL protective layer render an outstanding cycling capability of 500 cycles at 3 C, and an ultrahigh capacity retention of 99.99% for over 220 cycles even under harsh conditions. This work affords valuable insights into the interfacial regulation for achieving high-performance LMBs.

Driving inward growth of lithium metal in hollow microcapsule hosts by heteroatom‐controlled nucleation

The application of Li metal anodes in rechargeable batteries is impeded by safety issues arising from the severe volume changes and formation of dendritic Li deposits.Three‐dimensional hollow carbon is receiving increasing attention as a host material capable of accommodating Li metal inside its cavity;however,uncontrollable and nonuniform deposition of Li remains a challenge.In this study,we synthesize metal–organic framework‐derived carbon microcapsules with heteroatom clusters(Zn and Ag)on the capsule walls and it is demonstrated that Ag‐assisted nucleation of Li metal alters the outward‐to‐inward growth in the microcapsule host.Zn‐incorporated microcapsules are prepared via chemical etching of zeolitic imidazole framework‐8 polyhedra and are subsequently decorated with Ag by a galvanic displacement reaction between Ag^(+) and metallic Zn.Galvanically introduced Ag significantly reduces the energy barrier and increases the reaction rate for Li nucleation in the microcapsule host upon Li plating.Through combined electrochemical,microstructural,and computational studies,we verify the beneficial role of Ag‐assisted Li nucleation in facilitating inward growth inside the cavity of the microcapsule host and,in turn,enhancing electrochemical performance.This study provides new insights into the design of reversible host materials for practical Li metal batteries.

Non-flammable long chain phosphate ester based electrolyte via competitive solventized structures for high-performance lithium metal batteries

Safety remains a persistent challenge for high-energy-density lithium metal batteries(LMBs).The development of safe and non-flammable electrolytes is especially important in harsh conditions such as high temperatures.Herein,a flame-retardant,low-cost and thermally stable long chain phosphate ester based(tributyl phosphate,TBP)electrolyte is reported,which can effectively enhance the cycling stability of highly loaded high-nickel LMBs with high safety through co-solvation strategy.The interfacial compatibility between TBP and electrode is effectively improved using a short-chain ether(glycol dimethyl ether,DME),and a specially competitive solvation structure is further constructed using lithium borate difluorooxalate(LiDFOB)to form the stable and inorganic-rich electrode interphases.Benefiting from the presence of the cathode electrolyte interphase(CEI)and solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)enriched with LiF and Li_(x)PO_(y)F_(z),the electrolyte demonstrates excellent cycling stability assembled using a 50μm lithium foil anode in combination with a high loading NMC811(15.4 mg cm^(-2))cathode,with 88%capacity retention after 120 cycles.Furthermore,the electrolyte exhibits excellent high-temperature characteristics when used in a 1-Ah pouch cell(N/P=0.26),and higher thermal runaway temperature(238℃)in the ARC(accelerating rate calorimeter)demonstrating high safety.This novel electrolyte adopts long-chain phosphate as the main solvent for the first time,and would provide a new idea for the development of extremely high safety and high-temperature electrolytes.

Progress in the application of polymer fibers in solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries

Solid state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs)are considered to be one of the most promising battery systems for achieving high energy density and excellent safety for energy storage in the future.However,current existed solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are still difficult to meet the practical application requirements of SSLMBs.In this review,based on the analysis of main problems and challenges faced by the development of SSEs,the ingenious application and latest progresses including specific suggestions of various polymer fibers and their membrane products in solving these issues are emphatically reviewed.Firstly,the inherent defects of inorganic and organic electrolytes are pointed out.Then,the application strategies of polymer fibers/fiber membranes in strengthening strength,reducing thickness,enhancing thermal stability,increasing the film formability,improving ion conductivity and optimizing interface stability are discussed in detail from two aspects of improving physical structure properties and electrochemical performances.Finally,the researches and development trends of the intelligent applications of high-performance polymer fibers in SSEs is prospected.This review intends to provide timely and important guidance for the design and development of polymer fiber composite SSEs for SSLMBs.

Ultra-homogeneous dense Ag nano layer enables long lifespan solid-state lithium metal batteries

The unstable electrolyte/lithium(Li)anode interface has been one of the key challenges in realizing high energy density solid-state lithium metal batteries(LMBs)applications.Herein,a dense and uniform silver(Ag)nano interlayer with a thickness of∼35 nm is designed accurately by magnetron sputtering technology to optimize the electrolyte/Li anode interface.This Ag nano layer reacts with Li metal anode to in-situ form Li-Ag alloy,thus enhancing the physical interfacial contact,and further improving the interfacial wettability and compatibility.In particular,the Li-Ag alloy is inclined to form AgLi phase proved by cryo-TEM and DFT,effectively preventing SN from continuously“attacking”the Li metal anode due to the lower adsorption of succinonitrile(SN)molecules on AgLi than that of pure Li metal,thereby significantly reinforcing the interfacial stability.Hence,the enhanced physical and chemical stability of electrolyte/Li anode interface promotes the homogeneous deposition of Li^(+)and inhibits the dendrite growth.The Li-symmetric cell maintains stable operation for up to 1700 h and the cycling stability of LiFePO_(4)|SPE|Li full cell is remarkably improved at room temperature(capacity retention rate of 91.9%for 200 cycles).This work opens an effective way for accurate and controllable interface design of long lifespan solid-state LMBs.

Recent progress in ether-based electrolytes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries

Ether-based solvents generally show better affinity for lithium metal,and thus ether-based electrolytes(EBEs)are more inclined to form a uniform and thin solid electrolyte interface(SEI),ensuring the long cycle stability of the lithium metal batteries(LMBs).Nonetheless,EBEs still face the challenge of oxidative decomposition under high voltage,which will corrode the structure of cathodes,destroy the stability of the electrode−electrolyte interface,and even cause safety risks.Herein,the types and challenges of EBEs are reviewed,the strategies for improving the high voltage stability of EBEs and constructing stable electrode−electrolyte interfaces are discussed in detail.Finally,the future perspectives and potential directions for composition optimization of EBEs and electrolyte−electrode interface regulation of high-voltage LMBs are explored.

Regulating the non-effective carriers transport for high-performance lithium metal batteries

The absence of control over carriers transport during electrochemical cycling,accompanied by the deterioration of the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)and the growth of lithium dendrites,has hindered the development of lithium metal batteries.Herein,a separator complexion consisting of polyacrylonitrile(PAN)nanofiber and MIL-101(Cr)particles prepared by electrospinning is proposed to bind the anions from the electrolyte utilizing abundant effective open metal sites in the MIL-101(Cr)particles to modulate the transport of non-effective carriers.The binding effect of the PANM separator promotes uniform lithium metal deposition and enhances the stability of the SEI layer and long cycling stability of ultra-high nickel layered oxide cathodes.Taking PANM as the Li||NCM96 separator enables high-voltage cycling stability,maintaining 72%capacity retention after 800 cycles at a charging and discharging rate of 0.2 C at a cut-off voltage of 4.5 V and 0°C.Meanwhile,the excellent high-rate performance delivers a specific capacity of 156.3 mA h g^(-1) at 10 C.In addition,outstanding cycling performance is realized from−20 to 60°C.The separator engineering facilitates the electrochemical performance of lithium metal batteries and enlightens a facile and promising strategy to develop fast charge/discharge over a wide range of temperatures.

Laser-Constructing 3D Copper Current Collector with Crystalline Orientation Selectivity for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries

The practical application of lithium(Li)metal anodes in high-capacity batteries is impeded by the formation of hazardous Li dendrites.To address this challenge,this research presents a novel methodology that combines laser ablation and heat treatment to precisely induce controlled grain growth within laser-structured grooves on copper(Cu)current collectors.Specifically,this approach enhances the prevalence of Cu(100)facets within the grooves,effectively lowering the overpotential for Li nucleation and promoting preferential Li deposition.Unlike approaches that modify the entire surface of collectors,our work focuses on selectively enhancing lithiophilicity within the grooves to mitigate the formation of Li dendrites and exhibit exceptional performance metrics.The half-cell with these collectors maintains a remarkable Coulombic efficiency of 97.42%over 350 cycles at 1 mA cm^(−2).The symmetric cell can cycle stably for 1600 h at 0.5 mA cm^(−2).Furthermore,when integrated with LiFePO4 cathodes,the full-cell configuration demonstrates outstanding capacity retention of 92.39%after 400 cycles at a 1C discharge rate.This study introduces a novel technique for fabricating selective lithiophilic three-dimensional(3D)Cu current collectors,thereby enhancing the performance of Li metal batteries.The insights gained from this approach hold promise for enhancing the performance of all laser-processed 3D Cu current collectors by enabling precise lithiophilic modifications within complex structures.