Integrating Lithiophilic Gradient Structure with Nano‐Ionic Channel Network to Regulate Li<sup>+</sup> Distribution for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anode

3D Li hosts with lithiophilic gradient structure are extensively explored to mitigate Li dendrite formation by promoting bottom-up Li plating and reducing local current density. However, the absence of well-defined nano-ionic channels in these designs limits their ability to regulate Li<sup>+</sup> distribution, leading to uncontrolled Li dendrite growth under high current densities and large areal capacities. Herein, this study presents a novel graphene-based 3D Li host that integrates nano-ionic channel network into a lithiophilic gradient structure, denoted as IC-GGLH. The IC-GGLH features a lithiophilic gradient structure with nano-sized SnO<sub>2</sub> particles well-dispersed within a graphene-CNT mixture at the bottom layer, acting as Li nucleation seeds, while a lithiophobic CNT top layer serves as a protective barrier. Additionally, abundant nano-pores are generated at the SnO<sub>2</sub>-graphene interface during air heat treatment via a catalytic carbon gasification process, effectively functioning as nano-ionic channels to enhance Li<sup>+</sup> transport and distribution. This synergistic design enhances Li<sup>+</sup> transport and ensures uniform Li plating across the entire IC-GGLH, as verified by various electrochemical analysis and ex situ SEM. Consequently, the IC-GGLH electrode demonstrates remarkable cycling stability in half cells, symmetric cells, and full cells, maintaining low voltage polarization.

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Publication Details

Journal
Small
Published
2025-08-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202505355
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Advancements in Battery Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.73

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article

Integrating Lithiophilic Gradient Structure with Nano‐Ionic Channel Network to Regulate Li+ Distribution for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anode

Dohyeong Kim, Kanghun Kim, Jimin Han, Minjun Bae et al.
1 citations
Small
Advancements in Battery Materials
0.73
article

Integrating Lithiophilic Gradient Structure with Nano‐Ionic Channel Network to Regulate Li+ Distribution for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anode

Dohyeong Kim, Kanghun Kim, Jimin Han, Minjun Bae, Yujin Chang, Seon Jae Hwang, Yuanzhe Piao, Jimin Ham, Won Young An, Hwichan Hong, Yonghwan Kim, Chan Young Oh
article en
1 citations

Abstract

3D Li hosts with lithiophilic gradient structure are extensively explored to mitigate Li dendrite formation by promoting bottom-up Li plating and reducing local current density. However, the absence of well-defined nano-ionic channels in these designs limits their ability to regulate Li<sup>+</sup> distribution, leading to uncontrolled Li dendrite growth under high current densities and large areal capacities. Herein, this study presents a novel graphene-based 3D Li host that integrates nano-ionic channel network into a lithiophilic gradient structure, denoted as IC-GGLH. The IC-GGLH features a lithiophilic gradient structure with nano-sized SnO<sub>2</sub> particles well-dispersed within a graphene-CNT mixture at the bottom layer, acting as Li nucleation seeds, while a lithiophobic CNT top layer serves as a protective barrier. Additionally, abundant nano-pores are generated at the SnO<sub>2</sub>-graphene interface during air heat treatment via a catalytic carbon gasification process, effectively functioning as nano-ionic channels to enhance Li<sup>+</sup> transport and distribution. This synergistic design enhances Li<sup>+</sup> transport and ensures uniform Li plating across the entire IC-GGLH, as verified by various electrochemical analysis and ex situ SEM. Consequently, the IC-GGLH electrode demonstrates remarkable cycling stability in half cells, symmetric cells, and full cells, maintaining low voltage polarization.

SmallVol. 21(41)
Seoul National University (KR), Hodges University (US), Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology (KR)
Ministry of Education, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea
Openalex Percentile: Top 24%
Advancements in Battery Materials
0.73
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