Over-potential induced Li/Na filtrated depositions using stacked graphene coating on copper scaffold

Abstract Alkaline metals play paramount roles for developing high-energy-density batteries, while the stabilities of Li/Na anodes are still challenged by the side reactions with electrolytes on their hostless surfaces. In this work, we propose a novel protective strategy, called “over-potential induced Li/Na filtrated deposition”, to isolate the fresh metals from the solvents. This special function is realized by using the home-made stacked graphene (SG), which possesses the higher Li/Na nucleation over-potentials than that on copper (Cu), leading to orientated and filtrated Li+/Na+ flux through this carbon layer and underneath metal deposition on the Cu substrates. By further grafting the stacked graphenes on a rational nano-structured Cu scaffold, Li/Na plating/stripping could be tailored with uniform morphologies and high Coulombic efficiencies. In corrosive carbonate electrolyte, the Coulombic efficiencies could be stably maintained at ~ 97.1% and 93.3% for Li and Na anodes. The special behavior of filtrated deposition developed in this work could establish an alternative guideline for improving the reversibility of Li/Na anodes in high-energy-density batteries.