Regulating the Polarization of Lithium Metal Anode via Active and Inactive 3D Conductive Mesh Structure

Abstract

Lithium is spotlighted as the next‐generation battery anode owing to its low potential and high theoretical capacity. However, the volume changes and dendrite issues hinder its practical use as an anode material. Several metallic protective layers are used to overcome these problems. However, a comprehensive understanding of the material properties and structure of protective layers within an electric field is required to determine their suitability as protective layers. Herein, the reactivity with the Li of copper and stainless steel (SS) meshes within the electric field is compared, which are active and inactive protective layers, respectively. As inactive materials do not influence the Li‐ion chemistry, the protective layer minimizes Li consumption. These characteristics lead to reducing the anodic polarization because of stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer formation and effective utilization of the host space. A Li–Li symmetric cell configuration containing SS mesh as a protective layer exhibits stable cycling performance with a low overpotential (20 mV) for over 800 h at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the SS mesh inhibits the galvanic corrosion between the Li metal anode and mesh layer because of its low reactivity with lithium.

Tailored Silver Nanowires for Amplified Lithium-Ion Battery Performance and Inhibition of Lithium Dendrites in Silicon–Graphite–Silver Nanowire Composite Electrodes

“…In this study, a Li–Ag layer can be formed first depending on the morphology characteristics of AgNWs formed on the electrode surface, and the Li–Ag alloy acts as a protective layer for the Si electrode, while the Li–Ag layer serves as a substrate for the uniform electrodeposition of Li ions. − Continuous lithiation leads to the formation of Li seeds within the Li–Ag layer. The unique 3D mesh type morphology and the lithiophilic AgNWs layer in this study are believed to induce uniform Li deposition and inhibit the formation of Li dendrites. , In order to confirm the effect of the AgNWs layer formed of grid structure on the electrode surface, AgNWs were coated on a mesh type dielectric glass fiber substrate, and the Li behavior was examined, as illustrated in Figure . The formation of Li seeds and electrocrystalline growth of the Li layer were observed in a real time digital microscope using in-house-made simulation cells in Ar filled glovebox.…”

“…The unique 3D mesh type morphology and the lithiophilic AgNWs layer in this study are believed to induce uniform Li deposition and inhibit the formation of Li dendrites. 68,69 In order to confirm the effect of the AgNWs layer formed of grid structure on the electrode surface, AgNWs were coated on a mesh type dielectric glass fiber substrate, and the Li behavior was examined, as illustrated in Figure 9. The formation of Li seeds and electrocrystalline growth of the Li layer were observed in a real time digital microscope using in-house-made simulation cells in Ar filled glovebox.…”

Alloying Indium Additive Enables Fast-Charging Lithium Metal Batteries

“…Testing of the control electrodes exhibited the presence of "dead lithium" through overpotential spikes which occurred at 125 cycles and continued with increasing frequency until cell failure at 200 cycles. 36 Impressively, the protected cells retained a stable performance for over 250 cycles while generally retaining a low overpotential of 80 mV, revealing the improved lithium plating/stripping tendencies on the protected electrode. Compatibility with extreme cycling conditions was probed with a current density of 10.0 mA cm −2 (6 min charge/discharge).…”

“…To further probe lithium rate capabilities, symmetrical cells were cycled at a higher current density of 5.0 mA cm –2 . Testing of the control electrodes exhibited the presence of “dead lithium” through overpotential spikes which occurred at 125 cycles and continued with increasing frequency until cell failure at 200 cycles . Impressively, the protected cells retained a stable performance for over 250 cycles while generally retaining a low overpotential of 80 mV, revealing the improved lithium plating/stripping tendencies on the protected electrode.…”

Forming Robust and Highly Li‐Ion Conductive Interfaces in High‐Performance Lithium Metal Batteries Using Chloroethylene Carbonate Additive

“…Li metal is an attractive anode material due to its high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g À1 ) and low reduction potential (À3.04 V vs SHE). [6][7][8] However, the stable operation of Li metal batteries (LMBs) is compromised by dendrite growth and the highly reductive nature of Li metal. Li metal anodes can easily trigger short circuits, potentially leading to fires, and continuously corrode cell components through reactions with the electrolyte, with consequent formation of dead Li and an increase in the resistance of the battery.…”