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Stress-Matching Molecular Bridge and 3D Micro-Nano Array for High-Performance, Lightweight Composite Copper Current
Qiulong Tang1,2, Haiying Wu1,2, Xue Huang2
1School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel lightweight 3D copper foil current collector for lithium batteries using molecular self-assembly and micro-nano electroplating. This innovation enhances energy density and battery stability, offering a promising advancement for next-generation energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polymer-based composite copper foils (CCFs) improve lithium battery energy density but face challenges with interfacial adhesion and substrate coverage.
- Conventional CCF fabrication methods result in poor adhesion due to stress mismatch and incomplete polymer substrate coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a lightweight, high-performance 3D copper foil current collector (CCF) for enhanced lithium battery performance.
- To address the limitations of conventional CCFs by improving interfacial adhesion and substrate coverage.
Main Methods:
- A synergistic strategy combining molecular self-assembly and micro-nano electroplating was employed.
- Trithiocyanuric acid acted as a dual-functional molecular bridge, forming Cu-S bonds and anchoring to the polymer substrate via π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding.
- A low-temperature electrodeposited 3D micro-nano conical array was integrated onto the CCF.
Main Results:
- The molecularly engineered CCFs exhibited an eightfold increase in specific surface area, effectively suppressing dendrite growth.
- Full cells with an LiFePO4 cathode demonstrated exceptional cycling stability (398 cycles at 1C) and rate capability.
- A lithium-free anode configuration with a high-voltage NCM811 cathode maintained stable operation for over 100 cycles, outperforming control cells.
Conclusions:
- The proposed molecular-interface strategy provides a robust and strain-relieved interface for lightweight current collectors.
- This approach enables the development of high-performance, lightweight CCFs for advanced lithium batteries.
- The study offers a generalizable method for improving current collector design in energy storage applications.
