3D Printed Lithium-Metal Full Batteries Based on a High-Performance Three-Dimensional Anode Current Collector

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium metal batteries offer high energy density but suffer from dendrite growth, compromising safety and cycle life.
• Developing stable lithium metal anodes is crucial for next-generation energy storage solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D printing method for fabricating lithium anodes on 3D copper mesh current collectors.
• To investigate lithium ion deposition behavior and dendrite formation mechanisms within the 3D structure.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance and stability of the 3D printed lithium anodes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 3D printing approach to prepare lithium anodes on 3D-structured copper mesh.
• Employed in situ observations and computer simulations to understand lithium deposition.
• Fabricated and tested full lithium batteries (LiFePO4 cathode) and lithium-sulfur batteries.

Main Results:

• The 3D Cu mesh anode demonstrated excellent lithium deposition/stripping (50 mAh cm⁻²), high-rate capability (50 mA cm⁻²), and long-term stability (1000 h).
• The 3D structure effectively controlled dendrite growth by utilizing pore characteristics.
• Demonstrated a functional 3D printed lithium-sulfur battery powering electronic devices.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D printing method provides a robust strategy for fabricating stable lithium metal anodes.
• This approach effectively mitigates lithium dendrite issues, enhancing battery safety and performance.
• The technique shows significant potential for mass production and application in high-energy-density batteries and other secondary metal batteries.