A Scalable Approach to Dendrite‐Free Lithium Anodes via Spontaneous Reduction of Spray‐Coated Graphene Oxide Layers. Issue 29 (28th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bai, Maohui; Xie, Keyu; Yuan, Kai; Zhang, Kun; Li, Nan; Shen, Chao; Lai, Yanqing; Vajtai, Robert; Ajayan, Pulickel; Wei, Bingqing
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 30:Issue 29(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-05-28
• Subjects: alkali metals -- dendrites -- graphene oxide -- Li‐metal batteries -- spraying; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201801213
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract: Li‐metal batteries (LiMBs) are experiencing a renaissance; however, achieving scalable production of dendrite‐free Li anodes for practical application is still a formidable challenge. Herein, a facile and universal method is developed to directly reduce graphene oxide (GO) using alkali metals (e.g., Li, Na, and K) in moderate conditions. Based on this innovation, a spontaneously reduced graphene coating can be designed and modulated on a Li surface (SR‐G‐Li). The symmetrical SR‐G‐Li|SR‐G‐Li cell can run up to 1000 cycles at a high practical current density of 5 mA cm −2 without a short circuit, demonstrating one of the longest lifespans reported with LiPF6 ‐based carbonate electrolytes. More significantly, a practically scalable paradigm is established to fabricate dendrite‐free Li anodes by spraying a GO layer on the Li anode surface for large‐scale production of LiFePO4 /Li pouch cells, reflected by the continuous manufacturing of the SR‐G‐Li anodes based on the roll‐to‐roll technology. The strategy provides new commercial opportunities to both LiMBs and graphene. Abstract : A universal strategy to directly reduce graphene oxide on the surface of alkali metals (e.g., Li, Na, and K) is proposed. According to this innovation, a practically scalable paradigm is also demonstrated for continuous manufacture of dendrite‐free Li anodes by spraying a graphene oxide layer on the lithium‐anode surface, based on roll‐to‐roll technology.