Diffusion Limited Current Density: A Watershed in Electrodeposition of Lithium Metal Anode

Abstract

Lithium metal is considered to be a promising anode material for high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries because of its high theoretical capacity and low reduction potential. Nevertheless, the practical application of Li anodes is challenged by poor cyclic performance and potential safety hazards, which are attributed to non‐uniform electrodeposition of Li metal during charging. Herein, diffusion limited current density (DLCD), one of the critical fundamental parameters that govern the electrochemical reaction process, is investigated as the threshold of current density for electrodeposition of Li. The visualization of the concentration field and distribution of Faradic current density reveal how uniform electrodeposition of Li metal anodes can be obtained when the applied current density is below the DLCD of the related electrochemical system. Moreover, the electrodeposition of Li metal within broken solid electrolyte interphases preferentially occurs at the crack spots that are caused by the non‐uniform electrodeposition of Li metal. This post‐electrodeposition leads to more consumption of active Li when the applied current density is greater than the DLCD. Therefore, lowering the applied current density or increasing the DLCD are proposed as directions for developing advanced strategies to realize uniform electrodeposition of Li metal and stable interfaces, aiming to accelerate the practical application of state‐of‐the‐art Li metal batteries.

Textured Na2V6O16·3H2O Cathode Tuned via Crystal Engineering Endows Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries with High Rate Capability and Adequate Lifespan

“…To date, the energy storage market related to portable consumer electronic devices as well as electronic vehicles has been dominated by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) containing a graphite anode with liquid organic electrolytes, which deliver satisfying energy density with outstanding cycling stability for the energy supply. − Despite the promising achievements already made, LIBs cannot meet the requirements of low cost and safety for the large-scale energy storage system needed for the smart grid, which is a vital part of “carbon neutrality”. − In contrast to the high cost for a limited lithium recourse and safety hazards caused by the utilization of organic electrolyte and the dendrite deposition of lithium metal, , aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have been called the “holy grail” candidates for improved safety, environmental friendliness, and low cost, as well as facile manufacturing processes. The merits of zinc metal include a high theoretical capacity of 820 mAh g –1 , the low redox potential of −0.76 V vs standard hydrogen electrode, and great element abundance. − …”

Bilayer Halide Electrolytes for All-Inorganic Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries with Excellent Interfacial Compatibility

“…As shown in Figure S9, the fresh Li metal exhibits a smooth morphology with few defects at the surface. However, after the electrochemical Li stripping/plating process, the surface of the Li-metal anode is full of small particles with more defects but maintains a relatively smooth morphology without obvious Li dendrites. − The above results demonstrate good interfacial compatibility of the sandwich ISSEs with the Li-metal anode.…”

Flexible “polymer-in-ceramic” composite solid electrolyte PI–PEO0.2–PDA@LATP0.8 and its ionic conductivity

“…Xiong et al carried out a series of theoretical and experimental studies on the electrodeposition of the lithium metal anode by using an electro-chemo-mechanical mode and proved the above statement. [20][21][22]…”