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Liquid Metal-Modified 3D Cu Foam for Dendrite-Free Sodium Plating
Yinghong Wu1,2, Junbing Zhu1, Jiangfeng Ni1
1School of Physical Science and Technology, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics (CECMP), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Frontier Material Physics and Devices, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
Researchers developed a novel liquid metal-modified 3D copper foam (LM@Cu) to prevent sodium dendrite formation. This advanced current collector enables stable sodium plating, enhancing battery safety and performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Sodium metal is a promising anode material with high capacity but suffers from dendrite formation.
- Dendrites compromise battery performance and safety during sodium stripping and plating.
- Existing solutions involve 3D current collectors or liquid metal modification, but not both simultaneously.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a novel current collector combining 3D structure and liquid metal modification for dendrite-free sodium plating.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of 3D architecture and liquid metal on sodium deposition.
- To evaluate the electrochemical performance and stability of the developed current collector.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D copper foam modified with liquid metal (LM@Cu).
- Electrochemical testing of symmetric sodium cells using LM@Cu current collectors.
- Assembly and cycling of full cells with Na-LM@Cu anodes and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes.
Main Results:
- LM@Cu effectively suppresses sodium dendrite formation.
- Symmetric Na cells with LM@Cu demonstrated stable cycling for over 2800 hours.
- Full cells achieved 97.5% capacity retention after 1000 cycles.
Conclusions:
- Liquid metal-mediated 3D current collectors offer a promising strategy for stable sodium metal anodes.
- The LM@Cu design enhances sodiophilicity and promotes uniform sodium plating.
- This approach significantly improves the safety and longevity of sodium-ion batteries.
