Accommodating lithium into 3D current collectors with a submicron skeleton towards long-life lithium metal anodes

Lithium metal is one of the most attractive anode materials for electrochemical energy storage. However, the growth of Li dendrites during electrochemical deposition, which leads to a low Coulombic efficiency and safety concerns, has long hindered the application of rechargeable Li-metal batteries. Here we show that a 3D current collector with a submicron skeleton and high electroactive surface area can significantly improve the electrochemical deposition behaviour of Li. Li anode is accommodated in the 3D structure without uncontrollable Li dendrites. With the growth of Li dendrites being effectively suppressed, the Li anode in the 3D current collector can run for 600 h without short circuit and exhibits low…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 21127901, 51225204, U1301244, 2012CB932900
• CA
  Chinese Academy of Sciences

  Award: XDA09010300
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Awards: 2013AA050903, 2012CB932900, 21127901