Uniformly distributed reaction by 3D host-lithium composite anode for high rate capability and reversibility of Li-O-2 batteries

This paper reports use of a 3D porous Cu scaffold as a conductive host in the 3D host-lithium composite anode (HLC) in Li-O-2 batteries to decrease local current density and induce uniform Li deposition, and thereby suppress formation of Li dendrites that reduce rate capability and reversibility of the batteries. Furthermore, the influences of HLC and uniform Li-ion flux on Li2O2 formation at the porous cathode were investigated by quantification of Li2O2. The amount of Li2O2 on cathodes changed according to the state of the facing Li anodes; this trend means that the influence of uniform Li-ion flux from the Li metal anode is critical to ensure uniform Li2O2 formation at the cathode. The results confirmed that the HLC ensures uniform formation and decomposition of Li2O2 at the cathode.