ZrO2 thin film protected li metal anode for improved electrochemical performance

Abstract

Lithium (Li) metal anode has long been regarded as the »Holy Grail» in the field of battery, owing to the lowest redox potential (-3.045V vs. standard hydrogen electrode) and ultra-high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh/g). However, its practical application is seriously hindered by Li dendrite growth, parasite reaction, infinite volume change, etc. Herein, to construct a stable surface for advanced electrochemical performance, a homogeneous ZrO2 film was sputtered on lithium metal anode. The symmetric cell of Li metal coating with 37nm ZrO2 exhibits long life-span over 920h at 0.5mA/cm2 for 1h in carbonate electrolyte. The coating layer prevents the parasite reaction efficiently. Furthermore, the flat and dense ZrO2 coating layer regulates homogeneous deposition of Li metal so that the dendrite-free Li is achieved.