A systematical study on the electrodeposition process of metallic lithium

In this study, commercial copper (Cu) foil and Cu foam are used as the working electrodes to systematically investigate the electrochemical deposition and dissolution processes of metallic lithium (Li) on these electrodes; Li metal deposited on the Cu foil electrode is porous and loose. The surface solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film after dissolution from Li dendrites maintains a dendritic porous structure, resulting in a large volume effect of the electrode during the cycle. The Cu foam electrode provides preferential nucleation and deposition sites near the side surface of the separator; the difference in Li affinity results in a heterogeneous deposition and dendrite growth of metallic Li.