ABRLAB Publications

Journal Articles

High-power, high-safety, and large-area lithium metal anode
Year
2024
Author
Son Ha, Ji Yong Park, Sung-Ho Huh, Seung-Ho Yu, Jin Hwan Kwak, Jungjin Park, Hee-Dae Lim, Dong June Ahn, Hyoung-Joon Jin, Hyung-Kyu Lim, Seung Jae Yang,* and Young Soo Yun*
Journal
Small
Page
Accepted

Contrary to the general belief for a diffusion-controlled mechanism of electrochemical heterogeneous lithium deposition reaction (LDR), lithium dendrite mainly happens under a kinetic-controlled limitation. Thereby, a research strategy boosting LDR kinetics is essential to construct a high-power and high-safety lithium metal anode. Herein, the kinetic limitation of LDR process on lithium foil-based anode (LFA) is elucidated through in-depth electrochemical studies. In addition, ultra-thin (~0.5 μm) double-walled carbon nanotube membranes with different surface energies are designed to catalyze LDRs. The oxygen-functionalized membrane introduced on the top surface of LFA simultaneously induces multitudinous lithium nuclei, leading to a homogeneous LDR process even under exceptionally high current densities by 20 mA cm-2. More importantly, the layer-by-layer assembly composed of the oxygen-functionalized and pristine membrane bi-layer causes different surface energies on their top and bottom surfaces, enabling selective surface LDRs underneath the high modulus (≥16 GPa) bi-layer. The protective LDR on the bi-layer-covered LFA guarantees an invulnerable cycling process under high current densties. Furthermore, large-area symmetric pouch cells composed of the two same bi-layer-covered LFAs proves highly stable cycling behaviors over 1,000 cycles.