The journal *Nature Communications* recently published the research findings of a joint team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, and other institutions. They synthesized a multilayer carbon nanotube film that can self-assemble on the surface of a lithium metal anode to stop lithium dendrite formation.
Schematic diagram of the structure of the multilayer carbon nanotube lithium battery electrode protective film
Zhang Hao, an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, explained that lithium metal has the highest theoretical specific energy and is recognized as the most promising next-generation high-energy battery anode material. The reason it is difficult to apply is that lithium metal will develop lithium dendrites that pierce the battery under cyclic charging and discharging.
According to Zhang Huimin, the first author of the paper, the team ingeniously designed a gradient lithium metal protective film with both lithium-loving and lithium-hatery properties. The bottom layer is a lithium-loving nano-zinc oxide/carbon nanotube composite layer, while the top layer is a carbon nanotube layer with a lithium-hatery strength of up to 8 GPa. This protective film can effectively suppress lithium dendrite growth for a long time, ensuring extremely high battery safety and near 100% charge-discharge efficiency.
