Direct visualization and mechanistic insights into initial lithium plating in anode-free lithium metal batteries
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Su, Jin
Huang, Chun Ann
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFBs), which use bare Cu current collectors, represent a promising energy storage technology that offers higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Without a lithium metal anode, AFBs are easier to assemble and more cost-effective. However, they suffer from rapid capacity loss and short cycle life limiting their practical applications. A major challenge in their development lies in achieving an understanding of the cycling protocols and mechanisms needed to control the morphology and microstructure of the initial lithium anode growth on the Cu current collector (Cu-CC). In this study, we observed a significant pressure difference between the annular edge and center regions of the Cu-CC in coin cell type AFBs, which dramatically influenced the microstructural morphology of the initial lithium metal growth process. We demonstrated that lithium metal plated in the high-pressure annular edge region forms large, dense grains with a void-free internal structure and a smooth, flat surface, whereas in the low-pressure center region, lithium metal plating consists of small, loose, and tortuous grains with abundant voids and a rough surface. The pressure difference does not affect the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) composition in these regions. This study provides a unified view on initial lithium metal plating on the bare Cu current collector in AFBs for achieving a uniform and dense lithium metal microstructure.
Date Issued
2025-10-07
Date Acceptance
2025-08-07
Citation
Energy and Environmental Science, 2025, 18 (19), pp.8815-8826
ISSN
1754-5692
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
8815
End Page
8826
Journal / Book Title
Energy and Environmental Science
Volume
18
Issue
19
Copyright Statement
This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2025. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
License URL
Identifier
10.1039/d5ee01956g
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-08-08