Cobalt oxide-doped laser-induced graphene on copper current collectors for anode-free lithium metal batteries

The development of rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs) has unlocked new possibilities for advancements in battery technology; however, traditional lithium metal anodes still face challenges such as lithium dendrite growth and capacity fading. This study introduces cobalt oxide-doped laser-induced graphene (LIG) on a copper current collector, designated as CoO-LIG@Cu, aimed at improving the electrochemical performance of anode-free lithium metal batteries. The three-dimensional CoO-LIG@Cu current collector significantly improved lithium deposition characteristics. Compared to the Bare-Cu electrode, CoO-LIG@Cu exhibited superior electrochemical performance, achieving an average coulombic efficiency of 97 % over 200 cycles. In symmetric cell tests, the polarization voltage of this electrode remained around 9 mV, indicating outstanding cycling stability. Furthermore, a full cell assembled with commercial LiFePO₄ as the cathode material maintained over 90 % capacity after 150 cycles. This research provides an effective solution for improving copper foil current collectors utilizing lithium-affinitive materials, thereby further advancing the development of anode-free lithium metal battery technology.