Simultaneous bi-material electrodeposition of Cu/Zn for anode current collectors in lithium metal batteries

Abstract

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are increasingly recognized as a promising next-generation energy storage solution, owing to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density. However, the commercialization of LMBs faces a significant challenge due to the formation of lithium dendrites on the current collector. In this context, I explore a facile surface modification process aimed at stabilizing lithium dendrite formation on the anode current collector, thereby improving the cycle life of LMBs. For this, I introduce a dual-metal co-electrodeposition process, which is both scalable and compatible with battery manufacturing environments. With this process, i suggest a Cu-Zn layer deposited current collectors (CuZn-CCs). I have found that the composition of Cu and Zn in the deposit can be precisely controlled by adjusting the ionic concentration in the electrolyte. Additionally, the surface area of the current collector can be tailored not only into a film form but also into a nano-structured Cu-Zn configuration. This can be achieved by tuning the ionic concentration of the electrolyte and the voltage applied during the coelectrodeposition process. With the use of nano-structured Cu-Zn coated current collector (nCuZn-CC), it is demonstrated that the nCuZn-CC enhances the cycle life of the batteries by 87.5%, and maintains a high coulombic efficiency (greater than 90%) by 85.9%. This study presents a straightforward, one-step method that is well-suited for the mass production of LMBs.