Threading the MOF-derived mesoporous carbon host with CNT network: An effective modification layer for high-areal-capacity Li metal anodes

The ramified lithium dendrite growth and severe volume expansion upon the metallic plating process impede the practical deployment of the lithium metal anode in the energy-dense battery system. In this article, a thin modification layer of the Al-based metal-organic framework (MOF) is carbonized into the mesoporous carbon nanorods (PCRs) with atomically dispersed lithiophilic sites; meanwhile these storage units are structurally reinforced by the in-situ grown carbon nanotubes. The interfacial engineered substrate (Al-PCRs/CNTs-Cu) ex-hibits an enhanced Li affinity with mitigated nucleation barrier, and thus realizes the long-lifespan up to 1000 h at high-capacity-loading of 8 mAh cm(-2). When integrating the modified substrate with LiN0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM-811) (similar to 10.5 mg cm(-2)) the cathode in a prelithiated full cell model (2*Li excess), the prototype exhibits a high energy density of 414.38 Wh kg(-1) at the highest power density of 1243.14 W kg(-1). This dual-functionalized, carbonaceous interfacial layer provides a facile and effective approach to construct the energy/power-dense metallic batteries.

Automated summary

Through thin modification layer and structural reinforcement, a long-lasting lithium metal anode with enhanced lithiophilic property and mitigated nucleation barrier can be achieved in high energy density battery systems. By integrating the modified substrate with LiN0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM-811) in a prelithiated full cell model, a high energy density and power density metallic battery prototype can be realized.