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The generation of dendrites is a common issue of lithium metal battery, while the failure mechanism is still uncovered especially at low current densities/capacities. To better understand the mechanical factors caused by lithium morphologic evolution in the whole dynamic process of a cycle, this study proposes a failure mechanism of the lithium metal anode under a safe condition of rather low current density/capacity. The anode and the electrolyte fail to maintain effective contact throughout the dynamic cycling process due to the accumulation and extrusion of lithium deposits. To guarantee effective contact, a facile and low‐cost mechanical stamping method for lithium metal anode modification is accordingly presented. The curved lithium electrode can stably cycle for more than 300 cycles at 3 mA cm−2. This study is believed to provide a more in‐depth understanding toward the evolvement of lithium morphology to boost practical use of the lithium metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single lithium-ion conducting polymer electrolytes are promising candidates for next generation safer lithium batteries. In this work, Li+-conducting Nafion membranes have been synthesized by using a novel single-step procedure. The Li-Nafion membranes were characterized by means of small-wide angle X-ray scattering, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis, for validating the proposed lithiation method. The obtained membranes were swollen in different organic aprotic solvent mixtures and characterized in terms of ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability window, lithium stripping-deposition ability and their interface properties versus lithium metal. The membrane swollen in ethylene carbonate:propylene carbonate (EC:PC, 1:1 w/w) displays good temperature-activated ionic conductivities (σ ≈ 5.5 × 10–4 S cm−1 at 60 °C) and a more stable Li-electrolyte interface with respect to the other samples. This Li-Nafion membrane was tested in a lithium-metal cell adopting LiFePO4 as cathode material. A specific capacity of 140 mAhg−1, after 50 cycles, was achieved at 30 °C, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed Li-Nafion membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrite growth has been the main trouble preventing the practical application of Li metal anodes. Herein, we present how an Fe3O4-PVDF composite network prepared by using electrospinning has been designed to protect lithium metal anodes effectively. In the symmetrical cells test, the cell with the Fe3O4-PVDF composite network maintains good cycle performance after 600 h (500 cycles) at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 and a plating/stripping capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. The bulky Li dendrite is suppressed and a uniform Li deposition remains after long cycling. The characteristics of this engineered separator are further demonstrated in Li-S full cells with a good cycle performance (capacity of 419 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.5 C). This work provides a new idea for the protection of lithium metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different classes of solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) are currently being investigated, with each of them suitable for a different ASSB concept. Their combination in hybrid battery cells enables the use of their individual benefits while mitigating their disadvantages. The cubic stuffed garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO), for example, is stable in contact with metallic lithium but has only moderate ionic conductivity, whereas the thiophosphate Li10SnP2S12 (LSPS) is processable using conventional battery manufacturing technologies and has an excellent lithium-ion conductivity but an inferior electrochemical stability. In this work, we, therefore, present a layered hybrid all-solid-state full-cell concept that accommodates a lithium metal anode, a LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-based composite cathode with an LSPS catholyte (LSPS/NCM811) and a sintered monolithic LLZO separator. The electrochemical stability of LLZO and LSPS at cathodic potentials (up to 4.2 V) was investigated via cyclic voltammetry in test cells, as well as by cycling half cells with LSPS or a mixed LSPS/LLZO catholyte. Furthermore, the pressure-dependency of the galvanostatic cycling of a Li | LLZO | LSPS/NCM811 full cell was investigated, as well as the according effect of the Li | LLZO interface in symmetric test cells. An operation pressure of 12.5 MPa was identified as the optimal value, which assures both sufficient inter-layer contact and impeded lithium penetration through the separator and cell short-circuiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) employing solid electrolytes (SE) are currently gaining attention as next-generation energy storage devices. Solid electrolytes exhibit higher energy densities and operation across a wide temperature range than liquid electrolytes. The solid electrolyte acts as a separator, providing higher mechanical strength than polymer separators. This helps prevent cell deterioration and short circuit issues caused by lithium dendrite growth during charge – discharge cycles. Consequently, lithium metal, previously challenging to apply in conventional lithium-ion batteries, can be utilized as an anode electrode material. Sulfide-based solid electrolytes offer advantageous mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity. However, their narrow chemical/electrochemical stability window poses challenges. During the charging-discharging process of a battery with a lithium metal anode, a reduction decomposition reaction of the solid electrolyte occurs. On the other hand, Lithium Fluoride (LiF) exhibits low electronic conductivity due to a wide band gap but has a broad electrochemical stability window. In this study, we prepared a mixture of Li 5.3 PS 4.3 Cl 1.7 with InF 3 to generate an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) containing LiF. We confirmed the structural properties using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern showed the maintenance of the argyrodite structure, with only an increase in the peak intensity corresponding to InF 3. The optimized solid electrolyte-based ASSB demonstrated a higher initial discharge capacity of 172.8 mAh/g, a coulombic efficiency of 78.54 %, and a capacity retention rate of 93.6 %, outperforming ASSBs based on the bare solid electrolyte (Li 5.3 PS 4.3 Cl 1.7). • Li 5.3 PS 4.3 Cl 1.7 is synthesized through high energy dry ball-milling. • Li 5.3 PS 4.3 Cl 1.7 and InF 3 are mixed through simple hand grinding. • The optimized solid electrolyte has an ionic conductivity of 5.46mS/cm at RT. • The all-solid-state battery show a higher specific capacity of 172.8 mAh/g. • The all-solid-state battery shows a higher capacity retention of 93.58 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncontrollable growth of dendrites, infinite volume changes, low Coulombic efficiencies, and poor charging/discharging rates in lithium metal anodes have seriously hampered the further development of lithium metal batteries. Trapping lithium (Li) into rationally designed three‐dimensional (3D) structured Li metal anodes in order to construct a 3D‐Li framework is an effective approach to suppress the growth of Li dendrites. However, material inconsistencies and high costs still seriously limit practical applications. In this study, we describe the use of commercial low‐cost graphite fiber (GF) as a suitable conformal scaffold for preparing a lithiophilic SnO2@GF material using facile infiltration method. The lithiophilic 3D porous conductive framework allows homogeneous Li deposition on the surface of a structured electrode and accommodates the volume change during Li plating/stripping, leading to a significant boost in both the charging/discharging rates and cycling stability. This study highlights the significance of interface‐related science and engineering in designing high‐performance Li metal anodes, but also highlights the need for greater dedication to the construction of highly stable lithium anodes and high‐energy density Li metal batteries in a low‐cost manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct application of metallic lithium (Li) as the anode in rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is still hindered by some annoying issues such as lithium dendrites formation, low Coulombic efficiency, and safety concerns arising therefrom. Herein, an advanced composite separator is prepared by facilely blade coating lightweight and thin functional layers on commercial 12 µm polyethylene separator to stabilize the Li anode. The composite separator simultaneously improves the Li ion transport and lithium deposition behaviors with uniform lithium ion distribution properties, enabling the dendrite‐free Li deposition. As a result, the lithium anode can stably cycle up to 3000 cycles with the high capacity of 3.5 mAh cm−2. Moreover, the composite separator exhibits wide compatibility in LMBs (Li–S and Li‐ion battery) and delivers stable cycling performance and high Coulombic efficiency both in coin and lab‐level soft‐pack cells. Thus, this cost‐effective modification strategy exhibits great application potential in high‐energy LMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design of prototype for a solid-state lithium battery with LiFePO4 cathode and nanocomposite polymer gel electrolyte is developed. The concept of an asymmetric solid-state electrolyte was used for better compatibility of the solid electrolyte/electrode interface. According to the concept, a silica-nanoparticle-based transition layer is used facing the lithium anode; a liquid electrolyte layer; facing the cathode. The composition of the liquid electrolyte is optimized. 1 M lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonyl imide solution in a dioxolane/dimethoxyethane mixture (2 : 1) is shown to be the best electrolyte for the forming of a transition ion-conducting layer between the nanocomposite polymer gel electrolyte and the LiFePO4 cathode; 1 M LiBF4 in gamma-butyrolactonee, for the synthesis of a cross-linked polymer gel electrolyte, as an inert liquid medium for the radical-polymerization reaction. Comparative tests of Li/LiFePO4 battery prototypes showed the maximal capacity of the LiFePO4 cathode to be as large as 170 mA h g–1 when using a nanocomposite polymer gel electrolyte based on polyethylene glycol diacrylate with 6 wt % SiO2 with asymmetric interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Electrolytes are widely considered as a key component in Li–O 2 batteries (LOBs) because they greatly affect the discharge-charge reaction kinetics and reversibility. Herein, we report that 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI) is an excellent electrolyte solvent for LOBs. Comparing with conventional ether and sulfone based electrolytes, it has higher Li 2 O 2 and Li 2 CO 3 solubility, which on the one hand depresses cathode passivation during discharge, and on the other hand promotes the liquid-phase redox shuttling during charge, and consequently lowers the overpotential and improves the cyclability of the battery. However, despite the many advantages at the cathode side, DMI is not stable with bare Li anode. Thus, we have developed a pretreatment method to grow a protective artificial solid-state electrolyte interface (SEI) to prevent the unfavorable side-reactions on Li. The SEI film was formed via the reaction between fluorine-rich organic reagents and Li metal. It is composed of highly Li+-conducting Li x BO y , LiF, Li x NO y , Li 3 N particles and some organic compounds, in which Li x BO y serves as a binder to enhance its mechanical strength. With the protective SEI, the coulombic efficiency of Li plating/stripping in DMI electrolyte increased from 20% to 98.5% and the fixed capacity cycle life of the assembled LOB was elongated to 205 rounds, which was almost fivefold of the cycle life in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or tetraglyme (TEGDME) based electrolytes. Our work demonstrates that molecular polarity and ionic solvation structure are the primary issues to be considered when designing high performance Li–O 2 battery electrolytes, and cross-linked artificial SEI is effective in improving the anodic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li)‐magnesium (Mg) alloy with limited Mg amount, which can also be called Mg‐doped Li (Li‐Mg), has been considered as a potential alternative anode for high energy density rechargeable Li metal batteries. However, the optimum doping‐content of Mg in Li‐Mg anode and the mechanism of the improved performance are not well understood. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the effect of Mg amount in Li‐Mg anode. The Li‐Mg with about 5 wt. % Mg (abbreviated as Li‐Mg5) has the lowest absorption energy of Li, thus all the surface area can be "controlled" by Mg atoms, leading to the smooth and continuous deposition of Li on the surface around the Mg center. A localized high concentration electrolyte enables Li‐Mg5 to exhibit the best cycling stability in Li metal batteries with high‐loading cathode and lean electrolyte under 4.4 V high‐voltage, which is approaching the demand of practical application. This electrolyte also helps generate an inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase, which leads to smooth, compact and less corrosion layer on the Li‐Mg5 surface. Both theoretical simulations and experimental results prove that Li‐Mg5 has optimum Mg content and gives best battery cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in-situ electrochemical optical diagnosis is the key to the investigation of electrode interface during a redox reaction. Because the morphology changes particularly, dendrite formation, dendrite shapes, solid electrolyte interface formation and gas generation can be revealed visually. The challenge of ensuring uniform current density on a flat Li anode in a liquid electrolyte is addressed and uniform Li plating is demonstrated. The dendrite shape change under different reduction current density is discussed. The Li dendrite shape change and the performance of Li anodes with a surface lamination of graphite and red phosphate are used as examples to demonstrate the capability of the in-situ optical cell. An in-situ electrochemical optical cell used in the investigation of the increasingly popular solid-state Li batteries has its own challenges. Due to the untransparent nature of a solid-state electrolyte, an optical investigation on a solid-state electrolyte Li battery needs to be done by exposing the cross-section of the cell. In addition, it is very difficult to assemble an optical cell with a brittle and fragile solid-state electrolyte in a glove box. A set of formation and transfer dies, and an optical cell are introduced. The Li dendrite growth at the interface can be observed in a solid-state Li cell. [Display omitted] • Designs of In-situ cells to investigate Li dendrite formation real-time. • A cell for solid-state electrolyte revealing cross-section. • A cell for liquid electrolyte with unform current distribution. • Multiple examples to demonstrate the capability of the cell design. • Diffusion limited Li dendrite growth demonstration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) metal anode for high-energy-density secondary batteries has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its ultra-high specific capacity and the lowest redox potential. However, the Li anode suffers from severe issues including dimensional instability, Li dendrite growth, and low Coulombic efficiency (CE). In this work, a composite Li electrode (Li–Bi–In) with lithium–bismuth (Li–Bi) and lithium–indium alloys (Li–In) as the lithium host is fabricated to address the dimensional instability of the Li anodes. During Li stripping from the electrode, a porous structure composed of Li 3 Bi and Li 13 In 3 alloys is formed and sustains the structural integrity. During Li plating, the Li 3 Bi alloy with high Young's modulus keeps stable, while the Li 13 In 3 alloy with high lithiophilicity and ionic conductivity facilitates Li nucleation and uniform Li plating. Because of the synergistic effect of the two alloys, Li–Bi–In shows remarkable electrochemical performance. The symmetrical cell can stably cycle for more than 1200 h at a high current density of 5 mA cm−2. A full cell with Li–Bi–In anode and Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 cathode stably runs for 200 cycles. This work provides a facile and effective strategy for fabricating lithium alloy-based composite anodes for lithium metal secondary batteries. [Display omitted] • Li–Bi–In alloy electrode was fabricated by eutectic fusion of Li with Bi and In powders. • Li 3 Bi alloy maintains structural stability, while Li 13 In 3 alloy facilitates Li nucleation and uniform Li plating. • Li–Bi–In shows remarkable electrochemical performance because of the synergistic effect of the Li 3 Bi and Li 13 In 3 alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A sol electrolyte was prepared by adding mesoporous silica to the ester-based electrolyte. • The sol electrolyte exhibited increased Li+ transference number. • Li dendrite growth was suppressed by in situ formed protective layer on Li foil. • High performance was achieved for Li||NCM523 cells with the sol electrolyte. High-energy lithium metal batteries are considered as a promising alternative for next-generation energy storage systems. However, the uncontrolled lithium-dendrite growth due to the inhomogeneous lithium electrochemical deposition prevents lithium batteries from commercial application. Herein, a sol electrolyte was prepared by the addition of mesoporous silica, SBA-15 to the liquid ester-based LiPF 6 electrolyte to induce the formation of a dense protective layer on the lithium metal surface and inhibit the uncontrolled growth of lithium dendrites and the electrolyte consumption. Mesoporous silica with ordered hexagonal nanochannels and abundant surface silicon hydroxyl groups not only facilitates the formation of the sol electrolyte, but also adsorbs the electrolyte, leading to homogeneous lithium ion distribution. The sol electrolytes would generate a dense protective layer on the lithium metal and a robust CEI film on the surface of the cathode materials through an in situ gelation process, suppressing the uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth and improving the stability of the electrolyte. Consequently, high electrochemical performance was demonstrated with the Li||LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 (NCM523) full cells with the sol electrolyte. This work provides a new strategy for improving the performance of lithium metal batteries through the formation of sol electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic composite separator is more competitive than traditional polyolefin separator in the field of power supply for superior thermal stability and wettability of liquid electrolyte. In this study, we develop a two-steps method that modifies SiO 2 with acrylamide (AM) by grafting process and prepare a functional SiO 2 composite separator (PE/SiO 2 -AM). This kind of composite separator exhibits similar size-shrinkage (8.8%) to that of PE/SiO 2 composite separator at the tested temperature, lower than 18.1% of bare PE separator, and is electrochemically stable below 4.5 V (vs. Li/Li+). In addition, the Li-symmetric cells employing PE/SiO 2 -AM composite separator have the lowest overpotential and an improved lithium-ion transference number of 0.44. It is demonstrated from DFT calculation that the electron-rich species of imide group is able to uniformly disperse lithium-ion flux at the interface of electrolyte/lithium anode, and contributes to lithium-ion transport process. After assembling the LiCoO 2 /Li half cells, the cell with PE/SiO 2 -AM composite separator displays better cycle performance and higher discharge capacity when compared with other separators. Therefore, functional ceramic separator would be more attractive for next-generation lithium metal battery with high energy density. The functional coat is a superior strategy to optimize the interface among the lithium metal anode, separator and liquid electrolyte. In our study, we have synthesized uniform-size SiO 2 particles and have modified their surface with acrylamide (AM) by a bridge media of vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMS). AM is a kind of monomer with negative charge property, which is able to stabilize the distribution of lithium-ion at this interface of electrolyte/electrode and affect the space charge layer (C d). This enhanced space charge layer can facilitate the conduction of Li+ (X c = 1/(2πC d)). [Display omitted] • A functional SiO 2 composite separator with imide group (PE/SiO 2 -AM) was prepared. • PE/SiO 2 -AM composite separator exhibits the smallest size-shrinkage separator. • PE/SiO 2 -AM composite separator possesses an improved lithium-ion transference number of 0.44. • The electron-rich species of imide group is able to uniformly disperse the flux of lithium ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid silica-based nanofillers were synthesised by grafting short chains of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with different molecular weight on the surface of SiO 2 porous nanoparticles. Based on this approach, homogeneous poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based ceramic-in-polymer solid-state electrolytes with SiO 2 loadings up to 23 wt% were obtained, thanks to the high compatibility between the two phases endowed by the grafted PEG chains. These electrolytes showed satisfying ionic conductivity and excellent resistance against dendrite piercing that enabled long operation, for more than 350 h, under continuous stripping/plating of lithium in symmetric Li/electrolyte/Li cells. Additionally, the operating life of these devices was improved by the self-healing reaction between Li dendrites and silica fillers, being able to reinstate the cycling after short circuit. Finally, a lithium metal full cell, equipped with LiFePO 4 positive material and the solid-state electrolyte containing 18 wt% of SiO 2 , demonstrated high stability against dendrite penetration and discharge capacity at 70 °C comparable to cells based on liquid analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A Li1.4Al0.4Ge1.6(PO4)3 (LAGP) sheet was prepared using a tape casting method with a fine LAGP power prepared from a sol–gel precursor. The addition of nanosize TiO2 as a sintering additive was effective to enhance the ionic conductivity of the tape-cast sheet. The highest electrical conductivity of 8.37 × 10−4 S cm−1 was observed for the tape-cast LAGP sheet with 5 wt.% TiO2 at 25 °C. A hybrid sheet of the tape-cast LAGP and epoxy resin was water impermeable. The electrical conductivity of the water impermeable hybrid sheet with ca. 4% epoxy resin was 4.19 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C. The three-point bending strength of the LAGP–5 wt.% TiO2–epoxy resin hybrid sheet was 111 N mm−2, which is comparable with a Li1+x+y Al x Ti2−x P3−y Si y O glass ceramic plate. The Li/PEO18(CF3SO2)2N/LAGP–5 wt.% TiO2–epoxy sheet was successfully operated as a lithium electrode in saturated LiCl aqueous solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of cerium as an inhibitor on the discharge and hydrogen evolution at a lithium anode in alkaline electrolyte with additives was evaluated. The electrochemical behaviors of lithium and lithium–cerium alloy are assessed by hydrogen evolution collection, discharge current density, anodic potential, XRD (X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). For these conditions, the results show that minor addition of cerium to lithium decreased the hydrogen evolution on the surface of lithium–cerium alloy in an alkaline electrolyte containing corrosion inhibitors. SEM and XRD observation showed that the slow dissolution of lithium–cerium alloy generates the formation of LiOH, LiOH·H2O and Ce(OH)3. The lithium–cerium surface is less porous than the lithium surface. Hydrogen evolution decrease, prompted by adding cerium to lithium, which is related to reduced porosity of the film enhanced by Ce(OH)3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study evaluates the effect of magnesium as an inhibitor on the performance of discharge and hydrogen evolution of lithium anode in alkaline electrolyte with additives. The electrochemical behaviors of lithium and lithium–magnesium alloy are assessed by hydrogen evolution rate, discharge current density, anodic potential, and potentiodynamic polarization. For these conditions, the results show that addition of magnesium to lithium enhances the current efficiency. Addition of 0.07 wt% Mg to lithium has minor effect on discharge current and anodic potential of lithium anode. The chemical composition and the morphology of the anode surfaces were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the slow dissolution of lithium–magnesium alloy generates the formation of LiOH, LiOH·H2O, and Mg(OH)2. After discharge in saturated alkaline electrolyte with additives, the lithium–magnesium surface is less porous than lithium surface. Hydrogen evolution decrease, prompted by adding magnesium to lithium, is related to surface integrity enhanced by Mg(OH)2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) consisting of N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium (PP13) cation and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anion was synthesized and its electrochemical stability was investigated in comparison with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIBF4) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIPF6). The electrochemical window of PP13-TFSI (5.8V versus Li/Li+) is wider than that of BMIBF4 (4.7V) and BMIPF6 (4.5V). The cathodic limit of the PP13-TFSI is about −0.3V versus Li/Li+, against 0.7V for BMIPF6 and BMIBF4, so it may be used as the electrolyte for second lithium batteries based on lithium anode. In this work, charge efficiency of lithium plating/striping on nickel substrate and the cycle life have been measured using 0.4M LiTFSI/PP13-TFSI electrolyte both without and with additives such as vinyl acetate (VA), ethylene sulfite (ES), and ethylene carbonate (EC). Remarkable improvement in cycling efficiency and cycle life was found for EC as additive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A dimensionally stable composite Li anode is fabricated by using Ag-modified Cu foam. • The composite Li anode shows bulk and microstructural stability, but interface instability. • Uniform and large-capacity lithium plating within Ag-modified Cu foam is achieved. Lithium metal is recognized as the "Holy Grail" of anode materials for high-energy-density batteries. However, the application of the lithium anode is seriously hindered due to its instability especially during the large-capacity lithium stripping/plating process. In this study, a dimensionally stable Li composite electrode is fabricated by electrodepositing lithium on Ag-modified Cu foam. The Li-Ag alloy formed during the initial plating shows micro-structural affinity to lithium and promotes the subsequent uniform Li stripping/plating on the Cu skeleton. The symmetric cell with Li/Ag-modified Cu composite electrode shows much-improved stability as compared to both the Li/3D Cu composite and Li plate electrodes. By investigating the electrochemical performance of the full cells with Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 cathode, we find the interface stability of the Li composite electrode is deteriorated because of the increase of specific surface area. This work indicates that both dimensional and interface stabilities of lithium anodes are important for fabricating practical secondary lithium batteries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature liquid metal lithium batteries occupy a highly important position in the field of energy storage. Lithium batteries are long-lasting and have high energy storage efficiency. However, the development of new liquid metal lithium batteries are plagued by dangerous conditions and high operating temperatures. In this study, we report a new methodology for the creation of liquid metal batteries (LMBs) using either LiI-KI or LAGP as an electrolyte and Bi–Sn as a positive electrode to lower the operation temperature of Li-based LMBs and achieve long-term stability. We show that the assembled Li||LiI-KI || Bi–Sn and Li||LAGP||Bi–Sn cells stably cycle at an intermediate temperature less than 300 °C at current densities of 50 mA/cm2 to 300 mA/cm2, respectively, with almost no capacity decay and an average coulombic efficiency of 97–98%. Our design opens new avenues for the development of energy storage technologies. • Electrochemical behavior of the material was investigated for liquid lithium cells. • Reduce operation temperature was achieved by the eutectic composition of LiI-KI. • Reduce operation temperature was achieved by solid electrolyte LAGP. • Li.|LiI-KI|Bi–Sn and Li|LiI-KI|Bi–Sn cells showed high efficiency and high capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dendritic copper current collector is fabricated using a hydrogen evolution reaction. • The high surface structure facilitates the easy transfer of Li+ ions and suppresses dendrite formation. • Lithium anode with the dendritic copper current collector showed low voltage hysteresis with a stable performance. • A long cycle life of 500 h was achieved in a symmetric cell which also showed excellent performance using full cell during 40 cycles. Lithium metal is a promising material for high-energy density lithium battery application because of its high theoretical capacity value. However, during the cycling process, growth of lithium dendrites and change in volume are the two major issues lead to uncontrollable lithium deposition. These problems are directly linked to safety hazards and poor cycle stability. Here, we report the formation of dendritic copper current collectors by hydrogen evolution reactions for lithium metal anodes. The high-surface structure of the dendritic copper current collector facilitates the easy transfer of lithium ions and suppresses lithium dendrite formation. Compared to planar copper foil, the dendritic copper showing good cycling performance and cycle stability because of its low interfacial resistance and stable lithium electrode deposition. Lithium anode with the dendritic copper current collector showed low voltage hysteresis with stable performance without any short circuit problem. A long cycle life of 500 h was achieved in a symmetric cell which also showed excellent performance in full cell cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]