Three-Dimensional Current Collector Construction via Electro-Writing for Reversible Li Plating/Stripping in Anode-Free Li Batteries

As one of the promising next-generation energy storage systems, anode-free batteries can have the potential to deliver high energy density with low manufacturing costs compared to conventional lithium batteries[1]. However, the practical use of anode-free batteries faces obstacles due to inevitable problems associated with Li dendrites such as substantial volume change at the anode side and poor Coulombic efficiency from the continuous formation of solid-electrolyte interphases (SEI)[2, 3]. The key to unlocking the true potentials of energy-dense anode-free batteries can be employing functional current collectors that can stabilize SEI and the associate interfaces Li plating and stripping electrochemically and mechanically[4, 5].<br/>Herein, we introduce an electro-writing technique that can fabricate flexible three-dimensional (3D) structures on the Cu current collector. We will demonstrate how the 3D structure can stabilize cycling electrochemically and mechanically in an anode-free battery by engineering the construction materials. Specifically, this presentation will show how the composition, porosity, and thickness of the 3D current collector affect the Li plating/stripping. Our results show that elaboration of the 3D structure leads to stable extended cycle life at 1 mA/cm2 against Li metal (&gt;150 times) and at C/5 against LiCoO2 (&gt;100 times), outperforming conventional anode-free batteries with a planar Cu current collector. We believe that our approach to developing 3D current collectors can promise great opportunities for inexpensive, scalable, and safe anode-free batteries.<br/><br/>Reference:<br/>1. Qian, J., et al., Anode-Free Rechargeable Lithium Metal Batteries. Advanced Functional Materials, 2016. 26(39): p. 7094-7102.<br/>2. Liu, J., et al., Pathways for practical high-energy long-cycling lithium metal batteries. Nature Energy, 2019. 4(3): p. 180-186.<br/>3. Aurbach, D., et al., Factors Which Limit the Cycle Life of Rechargeable Lithium (Metal) Batteries. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2000. 147(4): p. 1274.<br/>4. Cheng, Y., et al., Lithium Host:Advanced architecture components for lithium metal anode. Energy Storage Materials, 2021. 38: p. 276-298.<br/>5. Louli, A.J., et al., Exploring the Impact of Mechanical Pressure on the Performance of Anode-Free Lithium Metal Cells. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2019. 166(8): p. A1291-A1299.