Rapidly Prepared Lithophilic Frameworks Stabilizes Lithium Anodes via Altered Lithium Deposition Patterns

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium metal batteries are promising for next-generation energy storage.
• Anode interfacial instability due to volume changes limits cycle life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid method for fabricating 3D-hosts with interface-modified layers for lithium metal anodes.
• To improve the interfacial stability and cycle life of lithium metal batteries.

Main Methods:

• A rapid 1-minute infiltration and heating process transformed copper foam into Zn-BDC-modified copper foam.
• The modified copper foam was used as a current collector for lithium metal anodes.

Main Results:

• Zn-BDC nanosheets uniformly distributed on the current collector, enhancing lithiophilicity.
• Facilitated uniform lithium deposition and reduced volume changes.
• Achieved low overpotential (26 mV at 4 mA cm⁻²) and stable cycling for 1000 h in half cells.
• Demonstrated enhanced performance in LiFePO₄ full cells.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a crucial link between current collector interfacial modification and lithium deposition behavior.
• The developed method promotes the practical application of lithium metal anodes.
• This approach offers a significant advancement in developing stable and long-lasting lithium metal batteries.