Metal

Quantum mechanics

Catalysis

Engineering

Lithium (medication)

Electrochemistry

Metallurgy

Materials science

Endocrinology

Power (physics)

Biochemistry

Core (optical fiber)

Chemical engineering

Physical chemistry

Non-blocking I/O

Physics

Nanotechnology

Current collector

Energy storage

Shell (structure)

Composite material

Medicine

Chemistry

Electrode

Anode

Current density

Electrolyte

Electrical conductor

Journal of Power Sources

Due to the stable three-dimensional (3D) conductive skeleton and superior lithiophilic surface, lithiophilic 3D conductive network structures are considered as excellent hosts for lithium metal batteries. How to efficiently construct unique lithiophilic 3D conductive structures as stable hosts for lithium metal anodes remains a challenge in the realistic applications. Herein, three-dimensional free-standing films based on Ni wires core/foamed NiO shell ([email protected]) are successfully fabricated as stable hosts for lithium metal anodes. The as-designed unique structures can effectively alleviate the large volume expansion and suppress lithium dendritic growth during the charge/discharge reaction, which can improve the service life of lithium metal batteries. The symmetric batteries of as-prepared [email protected] anodes deliver superior electrochemical performance, retaining a flat and stable voltage profiles with 13 mV for 2020 h at a current density of 1.0 mA cm−2. Simultaneously, the as-assembled LiFePO4/[email protected] full cells exhibit superior rate capability (~104.4 mAhg−1 at 10C) and 93.8% retention capacity after 500 cycles at the rate of 1C (0.012% decay per cycle). Above all, the unique 3D structure with as-designed free-standing films based on Ni wires core/foamed NiO shell structure and its design strategy hold a significant potential for the development of high energy-dense and stable metal batteries.

Free-standing films based on Ni wires core/foamed NiO shell as hosts for stable lithium anodes