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Synergistic Effect of 3D Current Collectors and ALD Surface Modification for High Coulombic Efficiency Lithium Metal Anodes
Author(s) -
Chen KuanHung,
Sanchez Adrian J.,
Kazyak Eric,
Davis Andrew L.,
Dasgupta Neil P.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201802534
Subject(s) - faraday efficiency , materials science , anode , current collector , electrolyte , nucleation , electrode , atomic layer deposition , stripping (fiber) , nanotechnology , dissolution , chemical engineering , deposition (geology) , cathode , lithium (medication) , surface modification , layer (electronics) , composite material , chemistry , medicine , engineering , endocrinology , paleontology , organic chemistry , sediment , biology
Improving the performance of Li metal anodes is a critical bottleneck to enable next‐generation battery systems beyond Li‐ion. However, stability issues originating from undesirable electrode/electrolyte interactions and Li dendrite formation have impaired long‐term cycling of Li metal anodes. Herein, a bottom‐up fabrication process is demonstrated for a current collector for Li metal electrodeposition and dissolution composed of highly uniform vertically aligned Cu pillars. By rationally controlling geometric parameters of the 3D current collector architecture, including pillar diameter, spacing, and length, the morphology of Li plating/stripping upon cycling can be controlled and optimal cycling performance can be achieved. In addition, it is demonstrated that deposition of an ultrathin layer of ZnO by atomic layer deposition on the current collector surface can facilitate the initial Li nucleation, which dictates the morphology and reversibility of subsequent cycling. This core–shell pillar architecture allows for the effects of geometry and surface chemistry to be decoupled and individually controlled to optimize the electrode performance in a synergistic manner. Using this platform, Li metal anodes are demonstrated with Coulombic efficiency up to 99.5%, providing a pathway toward high‐efficiency and long‐cycle life Li metal batteries with reduced excess Li loading.