Dendrite‐free lithium and sodium metal anodes with deep plating/stripping properties for lithium and sodium batteries

Abstract

Although lithium (Li) and sodium (Na) metals can be selected as the promising anode materials for next-generation rechargeable batteries of high energy density, their practical applications are greatly restricted by the uncontrollable dendrite growth. Herein, a platinum (Pt)-copper (Cu) alloycoated Cu foam (Pt-Cu foam) is prepared and then used as the substrate for Li and Na metal anodes. Owing to the ultrarough morphology with a threedimensional porous structure and the quite large surface area as well as lithiophilicity and sodiophilicity, both Li and Na dendrite growths are significantly suppressed on the substrate. Moreover, during Li plating, the lithiated Pt atoms can dissolve into Li phase, leaving a lot of microsized holes on the substrate. During Na plating, although the sodiated Pt atoms cannot dissolve into Na phase, the sodiation of Pt atoms elevates many microsized blocks above the current collector. Either the holes or the voids on the surface of Pt-Cu foam what can be extra place for deposited alkali metal, what effectively relaxes the internal stress caused by the volume exchange during Li and Na plating/stripping. Therefore, the symmetric batteries of Li@Pt-Cu foam and Na@Pt-Cu foam have both achieved long-term cycling stability even at ultrahigh areal capacity at 20 mAh cm −2 . K E Y W O R D Sdendrite-free, Li and Na metal anodes, Li and Na metal batteries, Pt-Cu alloy-coated Cu foam, ultrahigh areal capacity

A Brief Review on Solid Electrolyte Interphase Composition Characterization Technology for Lithium Metal Batteries: Challenges and Perspectives

“…Nevertheless, the high reactivity of metallic Li and other safety problems lead to the limited practical application of LMBs, such as the formation of dendrites during the repeated Li stripping/plating process in Li–S batteries . The drawbacks can be concluded to include the following points: (1) The drastic volume changes of Li metal anode during the charging/discharging process may cause cracks in the solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) film, − resulting in side reactions, extra consumption of electrolytes, and a decrease in Coulombic efficiency (CE). (2) Uncontrollable growth of needle-like lithium dendrites stemming from nonuniform lithium deposition will induce poor cycling efficiency and carry a high risk of a short circuit. − It is well accepted by recent studies that SEI plays a significant role in LMBs, which is tightly associated with all the problems above. , On the one hand, SEI is responsible for transporting Li ions as well as protecting the fresh metallic Li from parasitic reactions with electrolytes. − On the other hand, Li plating/stripping behaviors are largely influenced by the composition/structure/thickness of SEI, which is an important determinant factor of cycling stability of LMB. , Summarily, SEI largely affects the morphology of the deposited Li metal, the cell capability, and the battery performance .…”

Status and perspectives of hierarchical porous carbon materials in terms of high‐performance lithium–sulfur batteries

“…However, there are few reviews on the applications of HPCs for Li metal anodes. [52][53][54] This article focuses on the progress of HPCs for use in rechargeable Li-S batteries, including the novel synthetic strategies of HPCs, design, and applications of advanced sulfur cathodes, separators/interlayer, and rationally constructed lithium anodes to enhance the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries (Figure 2). The structure-activity relationships between the structures (pore volume, specific surface area, ordering degree of pores, and heteroatom doping) of HPCs and the electrochemical performances of Li-S batteries will be systematically elaborated.…”

“…These advantages increase the potential to use hierarchical carbon materials in future research on Li metal anodes. However, there are few reviews on the applications of HPCs for Li metal anodes 52–54 …”

Insights on “nitrate salt” in lithium anode for stabilized solid electrolyte interphase

“…Metallic lithium (Li) has been regarded as one of the most promising anodes for next-generation rechargeable batteries owing to its highest theoretical specific capacity (3860 mA h g -1 ) and lowest electrochemical potential (-3.04 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode). [1][2][3][4][5] However, the huge volume fluctuations, together with the high reactivity of metallic Li, can result in repeated cracking/ reformation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and serious side reactions with electrolyte during the Li plating/stripping processes, thus leading to nonuniform Li plating/stripping behavior, low Coulombic efficiency (CE), short lifespan, and even safety hazards. [6][7][8] This process continuously consumes active Li and electrolyte, accompanied by quick SEI and dead Li accumulation.…”