Horizontal Lithium Electrodeposition on Atomically Polarized Monolayer Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Battery Technology

Background:

• Uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth and corrosion hinder the practical application of lithium-metal batteries.
• Existing solutions for dendrite-free reversible lithium electrodeposition remain insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate horizontal lithium electrodeposition on atomically polarized monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN).
• To investigate the mechanisms behind improved lithium deposition and stability using hBN.
• To evaluate the performance of lithium-metal and anode-free full cells with hBN-modified current collectors.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical investigations of lithium surface diffusion on hBN.
• Fabrication of monolayer hBN on copper current collectors (monolayer hBN/Cu).
• Electrochemical testing of lithium electrodeposition and full cells.

Main Results:

• Monolayer hBN reduced the energy barrier for lithium surface diffusion, promoting reversible in-plane growth.
• hBN facilitated a homogeneous, inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase, ensuring uniform Li+ flux.
• Li-metal and anode-free full cells with monolayer hBN/Cu showed enhanced rate performance and cycle life.

Conclusions:

• Atomically polarized monolayer hBN enables dendrite- and corrosion-free horizontal lithium electrodeposition.
• Monolayer hBN acts as a promising seed layer for sustainable lithium-metal anodes.
• This approach offers a pathway towards next-generation high-performance batteries.