A 3D mixed ion-electron conducting framework for dendrite-free lithium metal anodes

Abstract

To enable the practical application of lithium metal batteries, it is crucial to address the challenges of dendrite growth and volume expansion in lithium metal anodes. A 3D framework offers an effective solution to regulate the lithium plating/stripping process. In this work, we present a 3D mixed ion-electron conducting (MIEC) framework as a lithium metal anode, achieved by conformally coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto Li_0.5La_0.5TiO₃ (LLTO) particles. The synergy between LLTO's lithiophilicity and CNTs' high electron conductivity ensures uniform lithium deposition and mitigates volume changes, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance. As a result, the LLTO@CNT anode demonstrates a high coulombic efficiency of 99.24% for 400 cycles at 1 mA cm⁻² in a half-cell, along with excellent cycling stability and prolonged lifespan.