Anode material for lithium batteries capable of controlling lithium dendrite growth, its manufacturing method, and a lithium battery containing the same

Anode with Lithium Deposition Site Guided by Hole-Structured Graphene Membrane and ZnO Rod Catalyst

This technology features an anode composed of a lithium-repelling 2D nanocarbon membrane and a rod-shaped, lithium-friendly 3D catalyst on one side. It physically suppresses dendrite growth by forcing lithium ions through the membrane holes to deposit only in the space between the current collector and the membrane.

In lithium metal anodes, repeated cycling often leads to dendrite growth, which can pierce the separator and cause internal short circuits. Uneven lithium deposition and stripping also result in shortened battery life and increased explosion risks.

This technology uses a 2D nanocarbon membrane, such as graphene, with multiple 50–1000nm holes. A 3D rod-shaped catalyst made of metal or metal oxides like ZnO is grown on one side via hydrothermal synthesis and positioned to face the current collector. Consequently, lithium is deposited and stripped only in the space between the membrane and the current collector. Applicable to lithium metal batteries, anode-free cells, and high-power drone batteries, this method prevents separator penetration by pre-determining where lithium can grow.

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Key Features:

• A lithium-resistant membrane made of 2D nanocarbon material with multiple holes to suppress lithium reduction
• A plurality of 3D rod-shaped, lithium-friendly catalysts formed on one side of the lithium-resistant membrane
• An anode for a lithium battery where the lithium-friendly catalyst is positioned to face the current collector, directing lithium formation toward it
• A step of forming a lithium-resistant membrane with multiple holes by growing lithium-resistant material on a masked substrate and then removing the mask

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