Dendritic Growth Research Articles

Multidentate Chelating Ligands Enable High‐Performance Zinc‐Bromine Flow Batteries

Zinc bromine flow battery (ZBFB) is a promising battery technology for stationary energy storage. However, challenges specific to zinc anodes must be resolved, including zinc dendritic growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, and the occurrence of "dead zinc". Traditional additives suppress side reactions and zinc dendrite formation by altering the solvation structure of Zn2+ and adsorbing onto the zinc surface through only a limited number of zincophilic sites, resulting in weak adsorption on zinc metal and potential inability to simultaneously optimize the solvation structure of zinc ions. Obviously, increasing the number of potential zincophilic sites in the additive can significantly enhance the interaction with zinc. Herein, we propose a strong chelate, ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid (EDTMPA) as the additive, which boasts six potent zincophilic sites, not only promotes the formation of the water‐deficient inner Helmholtz plane but also plays a crucial role in restructuring the solvation environment of Zn2+. As a result, the zinc symmetric flow battery with EDTMPA exhibited exceptional coulombic efficiency of 99.4% over 800 cycles, surpassing the previous studies by a significant margin. Furthermore, the assembled ZBFB has showcased a dendrite‐free and enduring cycling over 400 cycles at 80 mA cm−2.

Li+ Ion-Dipole Interaction-Enabled a Dynamic Supramolecular Elastomer Interface Layer for Dendrite-Free Lithium Metal Anodes.

The unstable lithium (Li)/electrolyte interface, causing inferior cycling efficiency and unrestrained dendrite growth, has severely hampered the practical deployment of Li metal batteries (LMBs), particularly in carbonate electrolytes. Herein, we present a robust approach capitalizing on a dynamic supramolecular elastomer (DSE) interface layer, which is capable of being reduced with Li metal to spontaneously form strong Li+ ion-dipole interaction, thereby enhancing interfacial stability in carbonate electrolytes. The soft phase in the DSE structure enables fast Li+ transport via loosely coordinated Li+-O interaction, while the hard phase, rich in electronegative lithiophilic sites, drives the generation of fast-ion-conducting solid electrolyte interface components, including Li3N and Li2S. Furthermore, the dynamically resilient DSE network composed of soft and hard phases protects Li anodes from electrolyte corrosion and accommodates volume changes during cycling. All features of the DSE layer synergistically facilitate uniform Li+ deposition and suppress Li dendrite propagation, ensuring a stable and dendrite-free Li anode. Consequently, the symmetric Li||Li cell incorporating the DSE layer achieves cycling stability exceeding 6000 h under 1 mA cm-2 and 1 mA h cm-2 conditions. Furthermore, full cell pairing DSE/Li anode with LiFePO4 (LFP) or high-voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathodes exhibits high-efficiency Li deposition and cycling stability, even under constrained conditions of limited Li (40 μm) and ultrahigh loading NMC811 cathode (21.5 mg cm-2). This study underscores the effectiveness of the ion-dipole interaction-enabled DSE network in developing stable, high-energy-density LMBs.

Zincophilic Sites Enriched Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Framework as Multifunctional Regulating Interfacial Layers for Stable Zinc Metal Batteries

AbstractTo construct an efficient regulating layer for Zn anodes that can simultaneously address the issues of dendritic growth and side reactions is highly demanded for stable zinc metal batteries (ZMBs). Herein, we fabricate a hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) enriched with zincophilic sites as a multifunctional layer to regulate Zn anodes with controlled spatial ion flux and stable interfacial chemistry (MA‐BTA@Zn). The framework with abundant H‐bonds helps capture H2O and remove the solvated shells on [Zn(H2O)6]2+, leading to suppressed side reactions. The HOF layer also helps form electrolyte‐philic surfaces and expose Zn (002) crystal planes which benefit for rapid conduction and uniform deposition of Zn2+, and weakened sides reactions. Additionally, the electrochemically active zincophilic sites (C=O, −NH2 and triazine groups) favor the targeted guidance and penetration of Zn2+ and provide advantageous sites for uniform Zn deposition. High Young's modulus of the HOF layer further contributes to a high interfacial flexibility and stability against Zn plating‐associated stress. The MA‐BTA@Zn symmetric cells thereby obtain a substantially extended battery life over 1000 h at 4 mA cm−2. The MA‐BTA@Zn||Cu half‐cell demonstrates a highly reversible Zn stripping/plating process over 1500 cycles with impressive average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.5 % at 10 mA cm−2.

Comparative analysis of laser power, pure titanium, and titanium alloy effects on dendrite growth and surface morphology of TiO2-ceramic

Despite several challenges, including the inherent brittleness of ceramics, inadequate melting of the powder, and the formation of microstructural defects, laser powder bed fusion remains a promising method for ceramic fabrication. This research looks at the intricate relationship between laser power as a dominant factor in the energy density, the influence of pure titanium (Ti) and titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) additives on the laser fabrication of TiO2-based ceramics, and the resultant microstructural aspects, with a particular emphasis on dendritic growth and solidification defects. The research findings revealed that changing the laser energy density has a substantial influence on the dendrite growth and solidification rate of TiO2 ceramic. However, in addition to optimizing the laser power, the addition of metal material additives also plays a significant role in regulating the melting state and controlling the part defects in ceramics. The findings support that the mixing of pure titanium showed a relatively favorable influence, enhancing the melting condition of TiO2 and yielding a smooth surface with reduced defects. Conversely, the addition of a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) has a comparatively lower positive effect and led to the formation of substantial dendrites, solidification shrinkage, and significant fractures. The change in the scanning strategy from zigzag to island has no noticeable effect on the surface morphology and dendrite formation but contributes to controlling the spattering and crack propagation.

Poly(3, 4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) as Promising Energy Storage Materials in Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Benefiting from the advantages of high conductivity and good electrochemical stability, the conjugated conducting polymer poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is a promising energy storage material in zinc-ion batteries. Zinc-ion batteries have the advantages of high safety, environmental friendliness, and low cost, but suffer from unstable cathode material structure, poor electrical conductivity, and uncontrollable dendritic growth of zinc anodes. PEDOT, with its fast electrochemical response and wide potential window, is expected to make up for the shortcomings and enhance capacity and cycle life of zinc-ion batteries. Herein, in this review different polymerization methods of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as well as their structure and properties are summarized; the progress in doping strategies related to the increasing conductivity and dispersivity of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) materials is discussed; specific applications of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-based materials in anode, cathode, electrolyte, and binder of zinc-ion batteries are explored; and the representative advancements for improving the electrochemical performance of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in zinc-ion batteries are emphasized. Finally, the current challenges of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as promising materials in zinc-ion batteries and an insight into their future research directions are pointed out.

Improving Bulk and Interfacial Lithium Transport in Garnet-Type Solid Electrolytes through Microstructure Optimization for High-Performance All-Solid-State Batteries.

Garnet-type Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O7 (LLZTO) is regarded as a highly competitive next-generation solid-state electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium batteries owing to reliable safety, a wide electrochemical operation window of 0-6 V versus Li+/Li, and a superior stability against Li metal. Nevertheless, insufficient interface contacts caused by pores, along with Li dendrite growth at these voids and grain boundary regions, have hindered their commercial application. Herein, we suggest a method to produce high-quality LLZTO using LiAlO2 (LAO) as a chemical additive that leads to an improved microstructure with larger grain size (∼25 μm), a high relative density (∼96%), lower porosity (∼3.7%), and continuous secondary phases in grain boundary regions. This improved structure results in (i) improved Li-ion conductivity and enhanced interfacial resistance between Li metal and LLZTO by a denser structure with fewer pores and (ii) suppression of Li dendrite penetration in the electrolyte by secondary phases in grain boundary regions.

Understanding and Mastering Multiphysical Fields Toward Dendrite‐Free Aqueous Zinc Batteries

AbstractAqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) have emerged as promising candidates for next‐generation grid‐scale energy storage due to their excellent safety, environmental friendliness, and abundance of Zn metal. However, undesired dendrite growth on Zn anodes, resulting from uneven Zn plating/stripping, leads to poor durability and low Coulombic efficiency, posing significant challenges for the practical application of AZBs. Multiple physical fields, the intrinsic driving force governing the distribution of electrons and ions, significantly impact Zn deposition behavior. The underlying mechanisms and regulation strategies related to this phenomenon has not been fully reviewed. This comprehensive review focuses on revealing the key physical fields influencing Zn deposition (including ionic flux, electric field, stress field, and temperature field) and summarizes the most effective control methods. Each approach is thoroughly scrutinized, highlighting its operational mechanisms, benefits, and limitations. Furthermore, the challenges and potential pathways for developing durable Zn anodes are outlined. Through in‐depth analysis of the influences of multiphysical fields on Zn deposition behavior, this review sets the foundation for enhancing the performance of Zn anodes, thereby supporting the advancement of Zn batteries commercialization.

Anode‐Free Solid‐State Rechargeable Batteries: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Design Strategies

Anode‐free solid‐state alkali metal batteries (AFSSAMBs) have emerged as promising high‐performance battery systems, attracting significant scientific interest due to their exceptional safety, high theoretical energy density, and cost‐effectiveness. Recently, extensive research efforts have focused on addressing the key issues impeding their practical deployment, primarily centered around severe dendrite growth, unstable electrolyte‐electrode interface, and low Coulombic efficiency. Despite this progress, a comprehensive framework for the fundamental understanding of AFSSAMBs is still lacking. This paper presents a comprehensive concept, outlining detailed construction, mechanisms, challenges, and strategies of AFSSAMBs. First, the basic configuration and internal mechanisms of AFSSAMBs are summarized. Subsequently, we discuss the existing challenges hindering the cycling lifespan of AFSSAMBs, offering several promising approaches to overcome these obstacles. In the end, insightful perspectives and viewpoints are briefly proposed on the further developments of AFSSAMBs.

Bifunctional Ion Rectification Layer Separators Toward Superior Reversible Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Anodes

AbstractThe slow transport dynamics and poor dendritic growth significantly hinder the performance of zinc metal batteries. Here, a unique difunctional ion rectification strategy is developed using vacuum evaporation technology to design a coated separator for efficient ion transport. The highly conductive Cu‐coated separator acts as an ion redistributor, ensuring homogenized electric field distribution. The excellent znophilicity of the copper coating acts as an ion accelerator, promoting ion transport and facilitating face‐to‐face zinc deposition on the separator. Consequently, this synergy enables stable battery operation at high current densities (cumulative capacity up to 10 800 mAh cm−2 at 8 mA cm−2) and high depth of discharge (over 200 h at 94% DOD). The Cu‐coated separator exhibits a reversible plating/stripping life of over 2400 h with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.88%. Notably, the Cu‐coated separator significantly enhances the rate performance and cycle capacity of Zn||V6O13 and Zn||MnO2 full cells. This functional separator with a difunctional ion rectification strategy presents a promising solution to the challenge of zinc metal anodes.

Evaluation of Physical Microphysical Property Retrieval Algorithms During the 2020 IMPACTS Field Campaign

Abstract The NASA Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS) field campaign provides high-quality, high-altitude aircraft lidar (532 nm), radar (W-band) and in-cloud microphysical aircraft data taken during wintertime storm events impacting the United States. This study evaluates two mass-dimensional relationships (Brown and Francis (1995, BF95); Heymsfield (2014, H14) and two lidar-radar microphysical retrieval algorithms (Cloudsat and CALIPSO Ice Cloud Property Product (2C-ICE); VarPy (a variational method derived from the satellite lidar-radar data community)) to estimate aircraft-retrieved volume extinction coefficient (σ), ice water content (IWC), and effective radius (re) during the 2020 IMPACTS deployment. BF95 and H14 have a close 1:1 correlation (R2 = 0.98) with in-situ observations of σ. However, only BF95 displays a linear, consistent, and almost temperature-independent low bias for IWC and re, which likely arises from the environmental conditions used to determine each. Unlike the field-campaign-derived BF95 and H14 relationships, VarPy and 2C-ICE directly ingest the aircraft-based lidar and radar data to simulate σ, IWC, and re. For all three microphysical parameters, VarPy and 2C-ICE retrieval errors became notably more pronounced around the dendritic growth zone (−15°C to −10°C) and near freezing (≥−5°C), which suggests that both algorithms experience difficulty addressing riming and aggregation processes and with larger particles (dendrites and plates) due in part to their simplified ice particle assumptions. However, the mean-melt diameter ice-particle assumption did yield more accurate IWC estimates, which led to slightly better overall results for VarPy.

Simulation of Dendrite Remelting via the Phase-Field Method

The solidification of alloys is a key physical phenomenon in advanced material-processing techniques including, but not limited to, casting and welding. Mastering and controlling the solidification process and the way in which microstructure evolution occurs constitute the key to obtaining excellent material properties. The microstructure of a solidified liquid metal is dominated by dendrites. The growth process of these dendrites is extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and even a small change in temperature can significantly affect the growth rate of the dendrite tip. Dendrite remelting is inevitable when the temperature exceeds the critical threshold. In this study, a temperature-induced-dendrite remelting model was established, which was implemented through the coupling of the phase field method (PFM) and finite difference method (FDM). The transient evolution law of dendrite remelting was revealed by simulating dendritic growth and remelting processes. The phase field model showed that the lateral dendrites melt first, the main dendrites melt later, and the main dendrites only shrink but do not melt when the lateral dendrites have not completely melted or the root is not broken. The long lateral branches break into fragments, while the short lateral branches shrink back into the main dendrites. The main dendrites fracture and melt in multiple stages due to inhomogeneity.

Functional organic 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane artificial layers for the dendrite suppressed lithium metal anodes

AbstractThe large‐scale industrialization of lithium metal (Li), as a potential anode for a high energy density energy storage system, has been hindered by dendrite growth. The construction of an artificial solid electrolyte interphase layer featuring high ionic and low electronic conductivity has been verified to be a high‐performance strategy to confine the dendrite growth and promote the Li anode stability. Therefore, a functional organic protective layer is homogeneously deposited on the Li anode surface via an in situ chemical reaction between tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and Li. The as‐synthesized Lin‐TCNQ organic film could efficiently trap non‐uniform Li deposition and restrain dendrite propagation. Particularly, an asymmetric M‐TCNQ‐Li|Cu cell with the Lin‐TCNQ layer breezed through a high Coulombic efficiency of 91.15% after 100 cycles at 1.0 mA cm−2. The M‐TCNQ‐Li|NCM622 cell delivered a high capacity of 143.40 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and maintained a good cyclic stability of 110.44 mAh g−1 after 160 cycles. The analysis results of spectroscopic tests further demonstrate that the Lin‐TCNQ with the enhanced absorption energy is conducive to lithiophilicity and decreases the overpotential of Li deposition.

Dual Strategies of Na+ Electrolyte Additives and Dendrites Protective Ti3C2TX‐MXene/Zn Anode with 2D MXene Nanosheet Encased Niobium Pyrophosphate (NbP2O7) Composite Binder‐Free Cathode for Stable Zinc‐Ion Storage

AbstractZinc‐ion capacitors (ZICs) are promising next‐generation energy storage systems (ESS) owing to high safety, material abundance, environmental friendliness, and low cost; however, the energy density of ZICs must be improved to compete with lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Here, the study implements three strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance and manage dendritic growth on Zn anodes, including crafting a highly efficient redox electroactive niobium pyrophosphate (NbP2O7)/Ti3C2TX‐MXene binder‐free cathode, incorporating a NaClO4 additive electrolyte, and applying a protective Ti3C2TX‐MXene layer on Zn anode. The cathode facilitates rapid Zn2+ ion diffusion and a stable host structure. An electrostatic protection layer formed in additive electrolyte and MXene layers regulates the uniform distribution of the electric fields and supports the equalization of nucleation sites. These results are supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The ZICs display an excellent specific capacitance (113.3 F g−1 at 1.5 A g−1) in aqueous additive electrolytes. The flexible solid‐state ZICs exhibits a volumetric capacitance of 865.05 mF cm−3, and an energy density of 0.347 mWh cm−3 at 2.29 mW cm−3 along with capacitance retention of >100% over 38 000 charge‐discharge cycles.

A Dynamically Ion‐Sieved Electrolyte towards Ultralong‐Lifespan Zn‐Ion Batteries

AbstractThe practical deployment of Zn‐ion batteries faces challenges such as dendrite growth, side reactions and cathode dissolution in traditional electrolytes. Here, we develop a highly conductive and dynamically ion‐sieved electrolyte to simultaneously enhance the Zn metal reversibility and suppress the cathode dissolution. The dynamic ion screen at the electrode/electrolyte interface is achieved by numerous pyrane rings with a radius of 3.69 Å, which can selectively facilitate the plating/stripping and insertion/extraction process of [Zn(H2O)6]2+ and Zn2+ on the anode and cathode surfaces. As a proof of concept, Zn//Zn symmetric cells deliver exceptional cyclic stability for over 6,800 h and ultrahigh cumulative plated capacity of 1.95 Ah cm−2. Zn//Na2Mn3O7 cells exhibit satisfactory cycling performance with capacity retention of 82.7 % after 4,000 cycles, and the assembled pouch cells achieve excellent stability and durability. This work provides valuable insights into the development of electrolytes aimed at enhancing the interface stability of aqueous batteries.

Delving Deep into the Influence of Pressure on Columnar‐to‐Equiaxed Transition in High‐Nitrogen Steel Ingot by Thermodynamics and Kinetics

Based on the analysis of thermodynamic driving force and solidification kinetics under pressure, the influence mechanism of solidification pressure on columnar‐to‐equiaxed transition (CET) of high‐nitrogen steel is clarified. It is observed that increasing the solidification pressure from 0.5 to 2 MPa results in a shift of the CET positions toward the center. This is attributed to the fact that higher solidification pressure can promote the growth of columnar dendrites by increasing the solidification rate, temperature gradient, and cooling rate. Meanwhile, increasing the solidification pressure shortens the length of the diffusion zone ahead of the advancing columnar front and reduces the supercooling. As a result, it becomes more difficult for equiaxed dendrites to nucleate ahead of the advancing columnar front, leading to CET positions closer to the center. This indicates that the main influencing factor for the change in CET caused by changing solidification pressure is solidification kinetics, that is, changes in the nucleation and growth environment of equiaxed dendrites, while thermodynamic driving forces are not the primary factor causing CET position changes.

Designing Cooperative Ion Transport Pathway in Ultra‐Thin Solid‐State Electrolytes toward Practical Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractSolid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are promising for high‐energy‐density solid‐state Li metal batteries due to their decent flexibility, safety, and interfacial stability. However, their development was seriously hindered by the interfacial instability and limited conductivity, leading to inferior electrochemical performance. Herein, we proposed to design ultra‐thin solid‐state electrolyte with long‐range cooperative ion transport pathway to effectively increase the ionic conductivity and stability. The impregnation of PVDF−HFP inside pores of fluorinated covalent organic framework (CF3−COF) can disrupt its symmetry, rendering rapid ion transportation and inhibited anion immigration. The functional groups of CF3−COF can interact with PVDF−HFP to form fast Li+ transport channels, which enables the uniform and confined Li+ conduction within the electrolyte. The introduction of CF3−COF also enhances the mechanical strength and flexibility of SPEs, as well as ensures homogeneous Li deposition and inhibited dendrite growth. Hence, a remarkably high conductivity of 1.21×10−3 S cm−1 can be achieved. Finally, the ultra‐thin SPEs with an extremely long cycle life exceed 9000 h can be obtained while the NCM523/Li pouch cell demonstrates a high capacity of 760 mAh and 96 % capacity retention after cycling, holding great promises to be utilized for practical solid‐state Li metal batteries.

Dual zinco-phobic/-philic ferroelectric nanorods coated mesh for stable Zn anode

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries are emerging as a promising option for energy storage systems due to their safety and environmental benefits. However, their stability and reversibility are often hindered by dendrite growth and interfacial side reactions. In this study, we introduce an innovative strategy to address these issues by engineering an artificial interfacial layer (AIL) on Zn anode surface. This AIL is composed of a dual zinco-phobic/-philic ferroelectric nanorods (FE NRs) mesh, which contrasts with the traditional BaTiO3 nanoparticles. The BTO NRs, particularly those with exposed P4/mmm (100) and (211) facets enriched with oxygen vacancy, facilitate a partial phase transition from the FE tetragonal P4mm phase to the paraelectric tetragonal P4/mmm phase, thereby creating dual zinco-phobic/-philic sites. Additionally, the integration of microchannels within the FE BTO NRs mesh can efficiently modulate the electric field distribution and Zn2+ concentration, leading to a more uniform Zn deposition, as conformed by electrochemical simulations. The Zn anode coated with the FE BTO NRs mesh exhibits impressive performance, achieving an ultralong cycle life of 3050 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1mAh cm−2. It sustains a Coulombic efficiency exceeding 99.8 % over 2000 cycles, highlighting its exceptional reversibility. These findings underscore the potential of the dual zinco-phobic/-philic FE NRs mesh in overcoming the challenges faced in aqueous metal-ion batteries, showcasing its versatility and the significant performance enhancements it can offer.

Scalable Production of Thin and Durable Practical Li Metal Anode for High‐Energy‐Density Batteries

AbstractUtilization of thin Li metal is the ultimate pathway to achieving practical high‐energy‐density Li metal batteries (LMBs), but its practical implementation has been significantly impeded by formidable challenges of poor thinning processability, severe interphase instability and notorious dendritic Li growth. Here we report a practical thin (10–40 μm) Li/Mo/Li2Se with concurrently modulated interphase and mechanical properties, achieved via a scalable mechanical rolling process. The in situ generated Li2Se and Mo not only enhance the mechanical strength enabling the scalable fabrication of thin Li metal, but also promote homogeneous Li electrodeposition. Significantly, the Li/Mo/Li2Se demonstrates ultrahigh‐rate performance (15 mA cm−2) and ultralong‐lifespan cycling sustainability (2700 cycles) with exceptional anti‐pulverization capability. The Li|LiFePO4 cells show substantially prolonged cyclability over 1200 cycles with an ultralow decay rate of ~0.01 % per cycle. Moreover, the Li|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 pouch cells deliver enhanced cycling stability even under the extremely harsh conditions of low negative‐to‐positive‐capacity (N/P) ratio of ~1.2 and lean electrolyte of ~0.95 g Ah−1, showing an exceptional energy density of 329.2 Wh kg−1. This work sheds light on facile pathway for scalable production of durable thin Li metal anode toward reliable practicability.

Stationary and pulsed electrodeposition of silicon in LiCl–KCl–CsCl–K2SiF6 melt

Silicon and its materials are widely used in metallurgy, micro- and nano-electronics, solar energy, and are also promising materials for anodes of lithium-ion power sources with increased specific capacity. The expansion of application areas of silicon with controlled morphology necessitates the development of new energy–efficient methods of its production. In the present work, the influence of the mode as well as parameters of electrolysis of the LiCl–KCl–CsCl–K2SiF6 melt with a temperature of 545 оC on the morphology of electrolytic precipitation of silicon on glassy carbon has been studied. The galvanostatic mode of electrodeposition, widely used in industry, as well as the pulsed mode, which is actively investigated at present, were used for the electrolysis. Silicon electrodeposition was carried out by varying such parameters as cathodic current density (from 3 to 50 mA/cm2) and electrolysis duration (from 30 to 180 min) in the galvanostatic mode, as well as by varying the density and duration of the cathodic current pulse, the duration of current pauses and the total duration of electrolysis in the pulsed mode. It is shown that electrodeposition of silicon on glassy carbon is accompanied by the formation of a continuous sediments of hemispherical nuclei with a diameter of about 1 micron on the electrode surface. An increase in the cathodic current density and an increase in the cathodic current pulse pause frequency contribute to the disruption of the sediment continuity and the growth of dendrites of ordered or arbitrary shape. At the same time, the pulsed mode allows to increase the cathode current density at silicon electrodeposition (from 25–30 to 250–500 mA/cm2) and stabilize the value of the cathode potential during electrolysis.

Dendrite-Free Lithium Batteries Enabled by an Artificial High-Dielectric Biopolymer Interface Layer.

Lithium (Li) metal batteries face challenges, such as dendrite growth and electrolyte interface instability. Artificial interface layers alleviate these issues. Here, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) nanomembranes, with excellent mechanical properties and high specific surface areas, combine with polyvinylidene-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) porous membranes to form an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. The porous structure of PVDF-HFP equalizes the electric field near metallic lithium surfaces. The high mechanical modulus of CNC (6.2 GPa) effectively inhibits dendrite growth, ensures the uniform flow of lithium ions to the lithium metal electrode, and inhibits the growth of lithium dendrites during cycling. The synergy of high polarity β-phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and CNC provides over 1000 h of stability for Li//Li batteries. Moreover, Li//LiFePO4 (LFP) full cells with this artificial protective layer perform well at 5 C, showcasing the potential of this film in lithium metal batteries.