Gradient‐Engineered Ultra‐Thin Lithium Metal Anodes with a Li–Si–N Alloy‐Based Lithiophilic Current Collector Interphase
Source abstract
Abstract
Li metal anodes, with high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g −1 ) and low redox potential, are promising for high‐capacity rechargeable batteries. Especially, ultra‐thin Li metal anodes can improve energy density and minimize lithium excess. However, their poor processability leads to non‐uniform Li layers and unstable plating/stripping behavior. In this study, we present a current collector interphase (CCI)‐based strategy using a Cu foil coated with a lithiophilic Si 3 N 4 layer, followed by molten Li dip‐coating to form around 20 μm Li layer. Furthermore, the scalable dip‐coating method, compatibility with large‐area current collectors (up to 100 cm 2 ), and stable cycling in pouch cells demonstrate the practical viability of the proposed SNLMA design for commercial lithium metal batteries. During the process, an in‐situ Li–Si–N alloy gradient interphase forms at the interface, enhancing wettability and mechanical integrity. This unique gradient CCI provides synergistic lithiophilicity and structural stability, enabling high‐performance Li metal batteries. The resulting Li x Si y and Li x N y phases reduce nucleation barriers and enable uniform Li deposition. As a result, the Si 3 N 4 –Li anode paired with a high‐loading LCO cathode (22 mg cm −2 ) achieved 83% capacity retention after 100 cycles. This work offers a scalable and practical CCI design for next‐generation Li metal batteries.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Advancements in Battery Materials · Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies · Advanced Battery Technologies Research
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Nanoenergy Engineering Pusan National University 50, Busan daehak‐ro 63 beon‐gil 2, Geumjeong‐gu Busan 46241 Korea
Department of Nano Fusion Technology Pusan National University Busandaehak‐ro 63beon‐gil 2, Geumjeong‐gu Busan 46241 Korea
Research Center of Energy Convergence Technology Pusan National University Busandaehak‐ro 63beon‐gil 2, Geumjeong‐gu Busan 46241 Korea
Department of Cogno‐Mechatronics Engineering, College of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Pusan National University Busan 46241 Korea
Department of Optics and Mechatronics Engineering, College of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Pusan National University Busan 46241 Korea
School of Chemical Engineering Pusan National University Busan 46241 Korea
Department of Smart Green Technology Engineering, Department of Nanotechnology Engineering Pukyong National University Busan 48547 Korea
Next Generation Battery Research Center Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) Changwon‐si Gyeongsangnam‐do 51543 Korea
Department of Electro‐Functionality Materials Engineering University of Science and Technology (UST) Daejeon 34113 Korea
Funding
National Research Foundation of Korea
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