Constructing a Li–Zn lithiophilic layer by a scalable method of magnetron sputtering for a high-quality Li–B alloy anode

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2024-11, Vol.621, p.235268, Article 235268
• Main Authors: Huang, X.Y., Zhou, H.P., Jiang, L.Y., Geng, T.X., Xu, Z.Q., Fang, Z.X., Zhang, S., Feng, T.T., Wu, M.Q.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Li metal anode; Li–Zn alloy; Megnetron sputtering; Plasma etching; SEI
• ISSN: 0378-7753
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235268

Lithium metal anodes offer high theoretical capacity and low redox potential but face challenges like dendritic growth, fragile solid electrolyte interface (SEI), "dead lithium" formation, and volume expansion. Composite anodes or artificial SEIs can address these issues, but often suffer from poor lithiophilicity and mass burdens. This study presents a Li–Zn–B alloy anode combining a Li–Zn lithiophilic layer with a bulk Li–B alloy. The Li–Zn lithiophilic layer, formed by magnetron sputtering of Zinc oxide (ZnO), improves surface lithiophilicity. Symmetrical cells with this alloy cycled stably for 1300 (1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2) and 550 h (2 mA cm−2, 2 mAh cm−2) with minimal overpotentials. The LiBZn||NCM811 full cell showed a specific discharge capacity of 130.8 mAh/g and stable Coulombic efficiency of 98.9 % after 300 cycles. [Display omitted] •After ZnO deposition, the lithium sheet forms a LiZn alloy and LiO2 layer with notable changes.•Adjusting sputtering time during magnetron sputtering improved the lithium alloy anode's performance.•This scalable method enhances lithium alloy anodes' performance, making it practical for industry.