High-capacity, low-tortuosity, and channel-guided lithium metal anode

Significance Li metal is considered as the “Holy Grail” anode for Li batteries due to its highest theoretical capacity and lowest electrochemical potential. However, the infinite volume change during the Li stripping/plating process would lead to issues like solid electrolyte interphase cracks and Li dendrites. This work describes a high-capacity and low-tortuosity Li metal anode, which was prepared by infusing molten Li into carbonized wood channels. The straight channels of carbonized wood acting as an ideal host can effectively accommodate the Li volume change, which delivered a lower overpotential and better cycling performance compared with bare Li metal. This work demonstrated the importance of structure design, especially low-tortuosity Li metal structure, for enabling Li metal anode in high-energy batteries.