Battery Materials Convergence Lab

Rethinking the starting lithium metal anodes — Lithium (Li) metal is often described as the ultimate anode, offering the lowest electrochemical potential (−3.04 V vs. SHE) and an ultrahigh specific capacity (3,860 mAh g⁻¹). Yet its practical use is still hampered by dendritic Li growth and continuous electrolyte consumption, which destabilize the electrode during cycling. These issues highlight the importance of understanding electrode–electrolyte interfacial chemistry, particularly the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), across multiple length scales—from atomic structures to bulk morphologies. To address the inherent surface inhomogeneity of commercial Li foils, we are revisiting fabrication routes for ultrathin, large-area foils and developing strategies to control electrodeposition and stripping behaviors. This pursuit of initial surface equalization aims to suppress dendrites at their origin. Combined with post-treatment strategies such as protective coatings and electrolyte engineering, our approach opens new directions for stabilizing Li-metal anodes in practical high-energy batteries. Beyond classical liquid electrolytes — Tailoring the Li⁺ microenvironment is essential for fast ion transport and the formation of a robust solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). While conventional approaches rely on salt–solvent tuning, we explore the use of functional nanomaterials dispersed in liquid electrolytes to simultaneously regulate Li⁺ transport and interfacial chemistry. In static electrolytes, ionic motion by electromigration and diffusion alone often produces Li⁺ concentration gradients, leading to uneven deposition and dendrite growth. To overcome this limitation, we introduced magnetic nanospinbar (NSB)-dispersed colloidal electrolytes, which enable convective Li⁺ tran