Three-dimensional monolithic corrugated graphene/Ni foam for highly stable and efficient Li metal electrode

Hee Kook Kang, Sang Gil Woo, Jae Hun Kim, Seong Rae Lee, Dong Geon Lee, Ji Sang Yu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To expedite the commercialization of Li metal anodes by combining them with Li transition metal oxides to achieve a high operating voltage, a carbonate-based electrolyte should be used, which is unstable at low potentials. Therefore, hybrid engineering to prevent dendritic Li growth and increase the coulombic efficiency in highly reactive electrolytes is essential. Here, three-dimensional monolithic corrugated graphene on nickel foam electrode as a Li metal storage framework in carbonate electrolytes is reported. The electrode is fabricated using a simple acid-catalyzed hydrothermal method. This involves separation of few-layer graphene sheets and formation of corrugated graphene sheets on porous Ni foam. During the initial Li deposition, Li ions are inserted into the vertical edge plane boundaries between graphene sheets. Li metal deposits then nucleate and grow further underneath the graphene sheets. The corrugated graphene sheets unfold and function as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase layer that separates the Li deposits from the reactive electrolyte. Consequently, the dendritic Li growth is effectively prevented, and the coulombic efficiency is significantly improved. Electrochemical tests demonstrate the effectiveness of this material design concept, which provides a new route to the development of a Li metal electrode for use in highly reactive electrolytes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)467-475
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume413
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Feb 15

Keywords

  • Foam
  • Graphene
  • Li dendrite suppression
  • Li metal battery
  • Li metal electrode

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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