Bending-Tolerant Anodes for Lithium-Metal Batteries

Abstract

Bendable energy-storage systems with high energy density are demanded for conformal electronics. Lithium-metal batteries including lithium–sulfur and lithium–oxygen cells have much higher theoretical energy density than lithium-ion batteries. Reckoned as the ideal anode, however, Li has many challenges when directly used, especially its tendency to form dendrite. Under bending conditions, the Li-dendrite growth can be further aggravated due to bending-induced local plastic deformation and Li-filaments pulverization. Here, the Li-metal anodes are made bending tolerant by integrating Li into bendable scaffolds such as reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) films. In the composites, the bending stress is largely dissipated by the scaffolds. The scaffolds have increased available surface for homogeneous Li plating and minimize volume fluctuation of Li electrodes during cycling. Significantly improved cycling performance under bending conditions is achieved. With the bending-tolerant r-GO/Li-metal anode, bendable lithium–sulfur and lithium–oxygen batteries with long cycling stability are realized. A bendable integrated solar cell–battery system charged by light with stable output and a series connected bendable battery pack with higher voltage is also demonstrated. It is anticipated that this bending-tolerant anode can be combined with further electrolytes and cathodes to develop new bendable energy systems.

Bendable energy-storage systems are demanded to power conformal electronics. Lithium-metal batteries have higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, but they are hindered by the dendrite challenge. Under bending condition, the dendrite growth can be further aggravated due to local plastic deformation and filaments pulverization. Herein, Li-metal anodes that are bending tolerant are made by integrating Li into bendable scaffolds.

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