3D-Printed Periodic Hierarchical Porous rGO/Ti3C2Tx Architectures Induced Uniform Lithium Deposition for Li Metal Anodes

Nonuniform Li+ flux and lithiophilic sites cause uneven lithium deposition, which impedes the application of lithium metal batteries. Herein, a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Ti3C2Tx lattice with periodic printed holes is fabricated by 3D printing. Mesoporous structures formed by regularly assembled nanosheets provide abundant lithiophilic sites. The Li+ flux is regulated by the periodic printed holes prepared by 3D printing. The deposition of lithium is homogenized by the synergistic effect of uniform Li+ flux and abundant lithiophilic sites. The resultant 3D-printed Li anode has excellent cycling stability up to 3000 h and a high average Coulombic efficiency of 98% after a long lifespan of approximate to 1000 h. Our work highlights the effect of the correlation between macroscopic and microscopic pores formed by 3D printing on inhibiting lithium dendrites, providing a novel pathway for highly 3D-printed stable lithium metal anode.

Automated summary

A reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Ti3C2Tx lattice with periodic printed holes is fabricated by 3D printing to provide abundant lithiophilic sites and regulate Li+ flux, resulting in homogenized lithium deposition. The 3D-printed Li anode exhibits excellent cycling stability and high average Coulombic efficiency.