Li-metal anode of fixed volume located behind current collector for safe li storage

Abstract

Li-metal anodes (LMAs) have been researched as a core technology for high-performance Li secondary batteries, but the problems of dendritic Li growth and unstable changes in the electrode thickness remain to be solved. In this study, a new anode structure is proposed in which Li is plated in a fixed-volume space located behind the current collector, unlike conventional electrodes where Li is stored on the front side facing the counter electrode. The anode is composed of a current collector with hole arrays and a spacer mesh to secure the Li storage space, and subjected to an insulation/Li-philic dual surface treatment to guide Li plating in the area behind the current collector. This new anode structure prevents the growth of Li dendrites into the separator and maintains a constant electrode thickness, thus ensuring stable full-cell operation. The anode structure is expected to serve as a platform in which microscopic material technologies can be installed for the further development of effective LMA technology.