Structure control of Ag nanoparticles on [100] Cu current collector for stable Li metal batteries

Abstract

Since the importance of the anode design has been demonstrated, researches using Li-guide material, so called ‘seed’, have been intensively conducted. Among them, control of the size and distribution of seed is particularly interesting due to their strong influence on the electric field and adsorption energy. Here, we suggest a new methodology in preparing uniformly monodispersed spherical silver (Ag) nanoparticles on Cu current collector. Monodispersed Ag nanoparticles with regular spacing have been fabricated by controlling the Cu surface condition as [100]-oriented wrinkled state with graphene, and the thickness of deposited Ag as 2 nm. Such patterned surface and high lithiophilicity with homogeneous distribution lead to uniform Li+ flux and alleviated nucleation energy barrier, which allows excellent stability over 260 cycles at 0.5 mA cm$^{-2}$. In addition, enhanced kinetics can be achieved even under high current density. This study not only sheds light on the significance of seed size and distribution but also permits the new methodology in monodispersed metal particle preparation.