Boosting Li-Metal Anode Performance with Lithiophilic Li–Zn Seeds in a 2D Reduced Graphene Oxide Scaffold

Abstract

The substitution of conventional graphite with Li metal as an anode material has garnered significant interest due to its exceptionally high theoretical energy density. However, the direct application of Li metal as an anode in batteries faces formidable challenges, including dendrite growth and interphase instability. Herein, a high-performance composite anode (LZ-rGO) that integrates a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) scaffold with lithiophilic Li–Zn alloy nanoparticles is presented. The Li–Zn seeds embedded in the structure lower the initial nucleation barrier and facilitate uniform Li deposition. Furthermore, the rGO scaffold, possessing a large specific surface area, enables the LZ-rGO anode to significantly reduce voltage hysteresis and prevents the deactivation of metallic Li during the plating/stripping processes. As a result, the symmetric cell demonstrates stability over 1200 h at a current density of 1 mA cm⁻², with negligible voltage fluctuation. When paired with a LiFePO₄ cathode, the full cell achieves stable cycling for 1000 cycles with a high-capacity retention, demonstrating exceptional interface stability and cycling efficiency.