Low-temperature fusion fabrication of Li-Cu alloy anode with in situ formed 3D framework of inert LiCu nanowires for excellent Li storage performance

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2020.07.012
• Publication Date: 2020-07-07T06:20:40Z
• Authors: Weishang Jia; Yuchi Liu; Zihao Wang; Fangzhu Qing; Jingze Li; Yi Wang; Ruijuan Xiao; Aijun Zhou; Guobao Li; Xiqian Yu; Yong-Sheng Hu; Hong Li; Zhaoxiang Wang; Xuejie Huang; Liquan Chen
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 7. Clean energy

The commercialization of rechargeable Li metal batteries is hindered by dendrite growth and volumetric variation. Herein, we report a Li-rich dual-phase Li-Cu alloy with built-in 3D conductive skeleton to replace conventional planar Li anode. The Li-Cu alloy is simply prepared by fusion of Li and Cu metals at a relatively low-temperature of 500 °C, followed by a cooling process where phase-segregation leads to metallic Li phase distributed in the network of LiCux solid solution phase. Different from the common Li alloy, the electrochemical alloying reaction between Li and Cu metals is not observed. Therefore, the lithiophilic LiCux nanowires guides conformal plating of Li and the porous framework provides superior dimensional stability for the anode. This unique ferroconcrete-like structure of Li-Cu alloy enables dendrite-free Li plating for an expanded cycling lifetime. Constructing a new type of Li alloy with in situ formed electrochemically inactive framework is a promising and easily scaled-up strategy toward practical application of Li metal anodes.