Rationally optimized carbon fiber cloth as lithiophilic host for highly stable Li metal anodes. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cao, J.; Xie, Y.; Li, W.; Wang, X.; Yang, Y.; Zhang, Q.; Guo, J.; Yang, C.; Cheng, S.; Zhang, C.; Wang, K.
• Is Part Of: Materials today energy. Volume 20(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: CuO nanocluster arrays -- Molten Li infusion -- Finite element simulations -- Redistribute Li+ flux -- Nanostructure host; Energy development -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Energy development; Energy industries; Energy policy; Power resources; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2021.100663
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-6069

Abstract

Abstract: The practical application of lithium (Li) metal anode has been greatly hampered by irregular growth of Li dendrites and the volume expansion during the cycle. Constructing a three-dimensional lithiophilic porous framework is regarded as an effective solution. Here, using a CuO nanocluster arrays–decorated carbon fiber cloth (CuO-NC@CFC) to prestore Li via molten infusion has been testified to effectively resolve these bottlenecks. Impressively, after a violent melt-infusion process, the constructed nanostructures can be maintained and transformed into Cu/Li2 O nanocluster arrays, together with highly conductive carbon fiber cloth, provide fast charge transport during Li stripping/plating process. As demonstrated by finite element simulations and experimental evidence, the formed Cu/Li2 O nanocluster arrays not only redistribute Li + flux and reduce local current density but also serve as Li nucleation sites. Consequently, the as-acquired Li/Cu-NC@CFC electrodes could significantly buffer volume fluctuation and regulate Li deposition behavior, exhibiting an ultrastable and ultralong lifespan (400 h at 5 mA/cm 2 with 1 mAh/cm 2 Li and 800 h at 5 mA/cm 2 with 5 mAh/cm 2 Li in symmetric cells). When coupled with LiFePO4, the Li/Cu-NC@CFC electrode could deliver a high capacity of 110.3 mAh/g after 500 cycles at 2 C. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: The Li/Cu-NC@CFC electrode was prepared via a facile molten lithium infusion strategy. The Cu/Li2 O nanocluster arrays reduce local current density and regulate Li + flux. The carbon fiber cloth alleviates the volume change and ensures a fast charge transfer kinetics. The Li/Cu-NC@CFC electrodes exhibit impressive performance in cycling tests.