Highly Lithiophilic Oxidative Interfacial Layer for 3D Foam-Based Lithium Metal Anode: Lithium Impregnated Metal Foam Anode (LIMFA)

Abstract

Numerous lithium-infused (or impregnated) lithium-metal anodes using pure Ni foams with excellent properties have been developed for use in Li batteries. However, pure Ni exhibits high reactivity with molten Li during infusion (e.g., coating, impregnation, etc.). Herein, a high-performance and ultra-stable (against molten Li) lithium-impregnated metal foam anode (LIMFA) is fabricated by a simple oxidation of nickel based alloy foam at 900 °C in air. A symmetric cell test employing the LIMFA anode showed stable stripping and plating performance. For thermal batteries without cup, LIMFA provided the highest reported specific capacity and first discharge of molten Li. After the cell discharge, the Ni based foam exhibited no Li leakage, surface damage, or structural collapse. Given these advantageous properties, in addition to its high specific capacity, LIMFA is expected to aid in the development of thermal batteries with enhanced performance.