In situ formed synaptic Zn@LiZn host derived from ZnO nanofiber decorated Zn foam for dendrite-free lithium metal anode

Lithium metal is regarded as the most promising anode material for next generation high energy density lithium batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and lowest potential versus standard hydrogen electrode. However, lithium dendrite growth and huge volume change during cycling hinder its practical application. It is of great importance to design advanced Li metal anodes to solve these problems. Herein, we report a ZnO-coated Zn foam as the host matrix to pre-store lithium through thermal infusing, achieving a Zn@ZnO foam supported Li composite electrode (LZO). Needlelike ZnO nanofibers grown on the Zn foam greatly increase the surface area and enhance the lithiophilicity of the Zn foam. In situ formed synaptic LiZn layer after lithium infusion can disperse local current density and lower Li diffusion barrier effectively, leading to homogeneous Li deposition behavior, thus suppressing dendrite formation. The porous Zn foam skeleton can accommodate volume variation of the electrode during long-term cycling. Benefiting from these merits, the LZO anode exhibits much better cycle stability and rate capability in both symmetrical and full cells with low voltage hysteresis than the bare Li anode. This work opens a new opportunity in designing high performance composite Li anode for lithium-metal batteries.

Automated summary

A ZnO-coated Zn foam was used as a host matrix for thermal infusion of lithium, resulting in a Li composite electrode with better cycle stability and rate capability.