A Kinetic-Thermodynamic Synergy to Enhance {110} Texture for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Battery Technology

Background:

• Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are key for high-energy-density batteries.
• Dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency limit LMA practical use.
• Engineering crystallographic texture, specifically {110} orientation, can suppress dendrites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a synergistic approach combining thermodynamics and kinetics for dominant {110} texture in Li deposition.
• To engineer Li deposition on a lithiophilic tin-modified copper substrate.
• To improve the performance and stability of lithium metal anodes.

Main Methods:

• Depositing lithium (Li) on a tin (Sn)-modified copper substrate at high current density.
• Utilizing the alloying reaction between Li and Sn to form a regulating interlayer.
• Analyzing the effects of thermodynamics and kinetics on Li nucleation and growth.

Main Results:

• Achieved a dominant {110} crystallographic texture in Li deposition.
• Suppressed competing {111} texture formation.
• Tripled the volume fraction of the desired {110} texture.
• Demonstrated stable cycling in a full cell with a LiFePO4 cathode under practical conditions.

Conclusions:

• The synergistic co-regulation of deposition thermodynamics and kinetics is an effective strategy for fabricating high-performance, dendrite-free LMAs.
• The Sn-modified substrate interlayer successfully controlled Li deposition behavior.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for next-generation battery development.