Li₂O-Reinforced Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Three-Dimensional Sponges for Dendrite-Free Lithium Deposition

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium (Li) metal anodes offer high capacity for advanced batteries.
• Li dendrite growth causes safety issues and low efficiency in Li metal batteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D CuO@Cu submicron wire sponge current collector.
• To mitigate Li dendrite formation and improve battery performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D CuO@Cu submicron wire sponge structure.
• Electrochemical testing of the current collector in Li metal batteries.

Main Results:

• The 3D CuO@Cu collector promotes a stable Li2O-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI).
• Achieved over 91% Coulombic efficiency at 10 mA cm⁻² after 100 cycles.
• Demonstrated good cycle stability at 5 C for full cells.

Conclusions:

• The 3D CuO@Cu current collector enhances safety and Coulombic efficiency.
• This material shows promise for next-generation metal-based batteries.