Columnar Lithium Metal Anodes

The rechargeable lithium metal anode is of utmost importance for high-energy-density batteries. Regulating the deposition/dissolution characteristics of Li metal is critical in both fundamental researches and practical applications. In contrast to gray Li deposits featured with dendritic and mossy morphologies, columnar and uniform Li is herein plated on lithium-fluoride (LiF)-protected copper (Cu) current collectors. The electrochemical properties strongly depended on the microscale morphologies of deposited Li, which were further embodied as macroscale colors. The as-obtained ultrathin and columnar Li anodes contributed to stable cycling in working batteries with a dendrite-free feature. This work deepens the fundamental understanding of the role of LiF in the nucleation/growth of Li and provides emerging approaches to stabilize rechargeable Li metal anodes.