Cotton-derived carbon cloth enabling dendrite-free Li deposition for lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal is considered as the most promising anode material for next-generation high-energy-density lithium batteries. However, the uncontrolled Li dendrite growth results in poor electrochemical performance and severe safety hazards, hindering its practical applications. Here, we demonstrate an environmentally friendly and resource abundant electrode by using cotton-derived carbon cloth with functional groups as lithium deposition host. Contrary to the commercial carbon cloth, the carbon cloth derived from cotton (C-400) with functional groups can induce Li+ ions to form a uniform and dense Li deposition into the host structure, avoiding Li deposition on its surface, even at high current rates. Moreover, the 3D cross-linked skeletal structure of C-400 can suppress volume change of the electrode during cycling. Consequently, the C-400 electrode can afford high areal capacity over 10 mAh cm−2 without the formation of Li dendrites. Compared with the bare Li anode, the advancements of using C-400@Li anode in lithium batteries with LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode regarding capacity retention, voltage polarization and rate capability are proved, suggesting its application potential for high energy density lithium batteries.