A Lattice‐Matching Strategy for Highly Reversible Copper‐Metal Anodes in Aqueous Batteries

Abstract

AbstractCopper metal is an attractive anode material for aqueous rechargeable batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity (844 mAh g−1), good environmental compatibility and high earth abundance. However, the Cu anodes often suffer from poor deposition/stripping reversibility and nonuniform deposition during the charge/discharge process, degrading the lifetime of aqueous Cu‐metal batteries. Herein, a lattice‐matching strategy was developed to design high‐performance Cu‐metal anodes. In such a strategy, Ni substrates that exhibit high lattice matching with Cu were selected to support the Cu anodes. The high lattice matching endows Cu anodes with high deposition/stripping reversibility, low nucleation overpotential as well as a uniform and dense electrodeposition on Ni substrates. Based on the Ni substrate‐supported Cu anodes, the full cells paired with lead dioxide cathodes show a stable cycling behavior. This work provides a route for the design of high‐performance Cu electrodes in aqueous rechargeable batteries.