Lithium-embedded carbon nanotube/graphite composite anode for lithium metal battery

Li metal, one of the anode materials with high theoretical capacity, faces challenges such as dendrite growth during cycling due to the unstable interface, making it problematic for next-generation batteries. However, nanocarbon materials have shown great promise in stabilizing Li metal by facilitating a uniform Li-ion flux thanks to their exceptional electrical conductivity and large surface area. In this study, a Li-integrated carbon nanotube film/graphite anode (G@CNT) is prepared to achieve a high-performance Li metal battery, and the effect of pre-lithiation on the stability of the lithium‑carbon composite is examined. The lithium affinity of the carbon nanotube film is enhanced through optimized pre-lithiation, which facilitates the combination of G@CNT, and molten lithium (G@CNT-Li). The G@CNT-Li anode demonstrates robust cycling performance, outperforming the anode composed solely of Li metal, with low overpotential, nearly three times longer lifetime, and excellent stability over 1400 h at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. These findings highlight the significant potential of the G@CNT-Li anode as an alternative for Li metal in lithium metal batteries. [Display omitted] •Carbon composite film is fabricated by combining graphite and CNT film (G@CNT).•The lithium affinity of the G@CNT is improved via optimized direct pre-lithiation.•The molten lithium is applied onto the lithiophilic G@CNT to fabricate a G@CNT-Li.•The full-cell G@CNT-Li exhibits better performance than anode composed solely of Li metal.