3D Porous Cu Current Collectors Derived by Hydrogen Bubble Dynamic Template for Enhanced Li Metal Anode Performance

Lithium (Li) metal is the most ideal anode material for high-energy density batteries. However, the high activity of Li metal, the large volume change, and Li dendrite formation during cycling hinder its practical application. Herein, 3D porous Cu synthesized through a simple time-saving hydrogen bubble dynamic template method is used as a host for the improved performance Li metal anode. Contrary to the planar Cu foil, the synthesized 3D porous structure can reduce the local current density, suppress the mossy/dendritic Li growth, and buffer the volume change in the Li metal anode. Highly stable Coulombic efficiency is achieved at different specific current densities (0.5, 1, and 2 mA cm(-2)) with a capacity of 1.0 mAh cm(-2). Moreover, symmetrical Li|Li-3D Cu cells show more stable cyclic performance with a lower overpotential even at a high current density of 3 mA cm(-2).