Facile and scalable fabrication of lithiophilic Cu O enables stable lithium metal anode

Equipped with highest-energy density anode, lithium metal batteries are of great interests for the next-generation energy storage systems. However, the existing problems like uneven Li deposition, large volume expansion and short cycling lifespan severely retard the implementation of Li metal anodes. Herein, we report an in-situ formed CuxO nanofiber network synthesized by facile and scalable calcination process and employ as stable lithium metal anode. The CuO/Cu2O ratio in the lithiophilic CuxO network can be adjusted through an optimal annealing time, thus guiding the homogeneous distribution of Li atoms and regulating the repeated plating/stripping processes. As a result, [email protected]xO 3D scaffold displays an ultralow overpotential of 7.7 mV, long cycling life for more than 1000 h in symmetric cell, and exceptional stability for LiFePO4//Li full cells. This work provides guidelines for the design and fabrication of lithiophilic 3D matrixes and advances the practical use of lithium metal batteries.