Shape-Controlled Reversible Li Plating-Stripping for Stable and High-Rate Anode-Free Lithium Metal Batteries.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Anode-free lithium metal batteries offer high energy density and low cost but suffer from poor cycling stability and rate capability.
• Practical application is hindered by issues like dendrite formation and unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a shape-change-free anode that controls reversible lithium plating/stripping for improved battery performance.
• To enhance the cycling stability and rate capability of anode-free lithium metal batteries.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hollow zinc oxide (ZnO) matrix with a lithium-phosphorus-oxynitride (LiPON) surface coating.
• Electrochemical characterization of the modified anode in half-cell and full-cell configurations.
• Evaluation of cycling stability, Coulombic efficiency, and energy density at various rates.

Main Results:

• The ZnO matrix provided cavities and lithiophilic sites for uniform lithium deposition/stripping.
• The LiPON layer protected the solid-electrolyte interphase from damage.
• Half-cells achieved 335 cycles at 1.2 mA cm⁻² with 98.8% Coulombic efficiency.
• Full-cells demonstrated a 150-cycle lifespan and high energy density (617 Wh kg⁻¹ at 2C).

Conclusions:

• The developed anode effectively controls lithium plating/stripping, enhancing shape stability during cycling.
• This approach significantly improves the cycling stability and rate capability of anode-free lithium metal batteries.
• The findings pave the way for practical, high-energy-density, and cost-effective lithium metal batteries.