Unique 3D nanoporous/macroporous structure Cu current collector for dendrite-free lithium deposition

Abstract Lithium metal anode is considered one of the most promising anode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries due to its highest theoretical specific capacity and lowest anode potential. However, dendritic growth during Li planting leads a safety concern and hinders the application of lithium (Li) metal batteries. Herein, unique 3D nanoporous/macroporous structure conductive Cu was designed and used as the current collector for Li planting/stripping to regulate metal Li deposition and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrite. The nanoporous/macroporous Cu current collector can effectively reduce the local current density and guide the metallic Li nucleation, leading Li to deposit uniformly on its surface. As a result, the modified Li@nanoporous/macroporous Cu current collector composite anode possesses a dendrite-free morphology and an enhanced cycling stability with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 98% for 400 h. When matching the LiFePO4 cathode, the LiFePO4 and Li@porous Cu current collector anode resultant full cell exhibits stable cycling performance.