Insulative Microfiber 3D Matrix as a Host Material Minimizing Volume Change of the Anode of Li Metal Batteries

Batteries using metallic lithium (Li) as an anode have attracted a great deal of attention because they have the potential to achieve high energy density over Li-ion batteries. In order to use Li metal as a practical anode of a secondary battery, there are many problems to be overcome. A large volume change of the anode accompanying repetitive deposition and dissolution of Li is one such problem. Here we report that a 3D matrix consisting of insulative microfibers on the Li anode functions as a layer absorbing the volume change associated with the deposition/dissolution of Li as high as 10 mAh/cm2. This result suggests that the use of an insulative 3D matrix layer is an effective way to minimize anode volume change under practical operating conditions.