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Suppressing Lithium Dendrite Growth by Metallic Coating on a Separator
Author(s) -
Lee Hongkyung,
Ren Xiaodi,
Niu Chaojiang,
Yu Lu,
Engelhard Mark H.,
Cho Inseong,
Ryou MyungHyun,
Jin Hyun Soo,
Kim HeeTak,
Liu Jun,
Xu Wu,
Zhang JiGuang
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201704391
Subject(s) - materials science , anode , separator (oil production) , faraday efficiency , coating , metal , dendrite (mathematics) , electrical conductor , chemical engineering , electrochemistry , plating (geology) , stripping (fiber) , lithium metal , current collector , composite material , nanotechnology , electrode , metallurgy , electrolyte , chemistry , physics , geometry , mathematics , geophysics , geology , thermodynamics , engineering
Lithium (Li) metal is one of the most promising candidates for the anode in high‐energy‐density batteries. However, Li dendrite growth induces a significant safety concerns in these batteries. Here, a multifunctional separator through coating a thin electronic conductive film on one side of the conventional polymer separator facing the Li anode is proposed for the purpose of Li dendrite suppression and cycling stability improvement. The ultrathin Cu film on one side of the polyethylene support serves as an additional conducting agent to facilitate electrochemical stripping/deposition of Li metal with less accumulation of electrically isolated or “dead” Li. Furthermore, its electrically conductive nature guides the backside plating of Li metal and modulates the Li deposition morphology via dendrite merging. In addition, metallic Cu film coating can also improve thermal stability of the separator and enhance the safety of the batteries. Due to its unique beneficial features, this separator enables stable cycling of Li metal anode with enhanced Coulombic efficiency during extended cycles in Li metal batteries and increases the lifetime of Li metal anode by preventing short‐circuit failures even under extensive Li metal deposition.