Electrochemical Behavior of Li-Powder Anode in High Li Capacity Used

Abstract

The prevention of Li dendrite growth in Li-metal secondary cells is investigated using high-Li-content electrodes. Li powder is formed using droplet emulsions, and the powder is then used to fabricate porous Li-powder electrodes that are tested against Li-foil electrodes. Scanning electron microscopy results show that dendrites form in a Li-foil cell when the cell is charged and discharged to 25% of the theoretical Li capacity (965 mAhg(-1)) at 1/3 C-rate (5mAcm(-2)). This dendrite formation causes cell failure after 10 cycles. No dendrites are observed in the Li-powder cell tested for 250 cycles. Li-powder anodes can be used directly in high-capacity cells such as Li-air or Li-S cells. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.062209jes] All rights reserved.