Li-Dendrite cage electrode with 3-D interconnected pores for Anode-Free Lithium-Metal batteries

Anode-free Li-metal batteries have been reported to maximize the volumetric energy density in the cell by excluding the thick anode component while taking advantage of the high energy benefit of Li-metal anode. Nevertheless, irregular Li dendrite growth and unstable surface reactions impede the practical application of anode-free Li-metal batteries. Herein, we report a "Li-dendrite cage" for a promising anode-free Li-metal battery configuration employing a three-dimensionally (3-D) interconnected porous Cu foam electrode synthesized by a facile and versatile electrodeposition method. The numerous pores within the electrode serve as "cages" to accommodate Li dendrites for Li deposition, consequently suppressing the vertical growth of Li and alleviating the volume change of the cell during cycling. The 3-D interconnected porous Cu foam electrode exhibits facile charge transfer, lower nucleation overpotential, and reduced polarization compared to conventional Cu foil. We also investigate the Li plating/stripping behaviors and morphology evolution on the unique 3-D interconnected porous Cu foam electrode by cross-sectional observations and ex-situ characterizations. This work provides a novel strategy for rationally designing porous electrodes to achieve stable and high performance of anode-free Li-metal batteries.