Dual Lithiophilic Structure for Uniform Li Deposition

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Lithium metal anodes are crucial for high-energy-density batteries.
• Dendrite formation during lithium deposition hinders battery safety and cycle life.
• Controlling lithium deposition in electrolytes is challenging due to convection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strategy for uniform lithium deposition on battery anodes.
• To investigate the role of lithiophilic materials in regulating lithium plating.
• To improve the cycle stability and capacity of lithium metal batteries.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dual lithiophilic structure combining a polar metal-organic framework (MOF) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles.
• Characterization of the MOF-Ag composite as a substrate for lithium deposition.
• Electrochemical testing of lithium plating and stripping on the Ag@MOF substrate.

Main Results:

• The MOF component enhanced lithium binding energy and promoted uniform nucleation.
• Incorporation of Ag nanoparticles further increased lithium binding energy and reduced nucleation overpotential.
• The Ag@MOF substrate achieved 97% Coulombic efficiency over 300 cycles with a high areal capacity of 5 mA h cm⁻².
• Suppression of lithium dendrite formation was observed.

Conclusions:

• The dual lithiophilic Ag@MOF structure effectively regulates uniform lithium deposition.
• This approach significantly improves the cycling stability and safety of lithium metal anodes.
• The developed material holds promise for next-generation high-performance lithium metal batteries.