Oxygen-rich carbon nanotube networks for enhanced lithium metal anode

Developing safe and efficient lithium (Li)-metal anode is promising for the next-generation rechargeable batteries, such as Li-S and Li-O-2 batteries. The design of lithium plating host with unique nanostructure and lithiophilic surface has been proven to be one of the most efficient strategies to control Li plating/stripping process and inhibit lithium dendrite growth. Here we first report the fabrication of well-defined oxygen-rich carbon nanotube (O-CNT) network via a facile and scalable ultrafast barbecue approach. Remarkably, the asobtained three-dimensional (3D) O-CNT network electrode can serve as a promising Li-metal host with a low Li deposition overpotential and a flat voltage profile at various current densities, as well as long-term durability. The DFT calculation and experimental results further prove that the ketonic (C=O) group on CNT surface acts as efficient lithiophilic site to guide Li-metal nucleation and growth. In addition, the 3D porous network structure of O-CNT network with high conductivity facilitates electron and Li ions transport. Thus, this work provides a new strategy to construct high-performed Li-metal anodes toward high-performance Li-based batteries.