Ultrathin, large-area Li-metal anodes

Rethinking the starting lithium metal anodes — Lithium (Li) metal is often described as the ultimate anode, offering the lowest electrochemical potential (−3.04 V vs. SHE) and an ultrahigh specific capacity (3,860 mAh g⁻¹). Yet its practical use is still hampered by dendritic Li growth and continuous electrolyte consumption, which destabilize the electrode during cycling. These issues highlight the importance of understanding electrode–electrolyte interfacial chemistry, particularly the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), across multiple length scales—from atomic structures to bulk morphologies.

To address the inherent surface inhomogeneity of commercial Li foils, we are revisiting fabrication routes for ultrathin, large-area foils and developing strategies to control electrodeposition and stripping behaviors. This pursuit of initial surface equalization aims to suppress dendrites at their origin. Combined with post-treatment strategies such as protective coatings and electrolyte engineering, our approach opens new directions for stabilizing Li-metal anodes in practical high-energy batteries.

Intelligent nano-colloid electrolytes

Beyond classical liquid electrolytes — Tailoring the Li⁺ microenvironment is essential for fast ion transport and the formation of a robust solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). While conventional approaches rely on salt–solvent tuning, we explore the use of functional nanomaterials dispersed in liquid electrolytes to simultaneously regulate Li⁺ transport and interfacial chemistry.

In static electrolytes, ionic motion by electromigration and diffusion alone often produces Li⁺ concentration gradients, leading to uneven deposition and dendrite growth. To overcome this limitation, we introduced magnetic nanospinbar (NSB)-dispersed colloidal electrolytes, which enable convective Li⁺ transfer under external magnetic fields. This dynamic transport smooths concentration gradients and suppresses dendrites, offering a new paradigm for electrolyte design.

By coupling controlled ion delivery with interfacial stabilization, intelligent nano-colloid electrolytes pave the way toward dendrite-free cycling and fast-charging lithium batteries, while also opening possibilities for stimuli-responsive electrolyte systems.

Seamless charging Li-ion in extreme conditions

Pushing the limits of charging rates — Suppressing Li dendrite also becomes essential for today’s commercial Li-ion cells when subjected to extreme conditions such as extremely fast charging (XFC) or operation at extremely low temperatures. Our research redefines the rate-determining steps during charging to enable plating-free operation under such demanding conditions. In particular, interfacial processes, including Li⁺ desolvation and Li⁺ migration across the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), are strongly governed by the electrolyte formulation. Moving beyond traditional rules, we propose distinct electrolyte chemistries that support XFC without compromising cell-level energy density.

To validate the advantages of these electrolytes, we explore next-generation electrode architectures, recognizing that electrodes must become thicker to meet practical energy requirements. Innovative fabrication strategies—such as dual-layer coatings and dry-processing—are being developed to reshape electrode structures accordingly. BMCL is also engineering advanced anode materials to suppress detrimental Li plating in graphite, silicon, and composite-based anodes. Ultimately, our goal is to identify the optimal balance point where Li plating-free XFC can be achieved seamlessly, with no sacrifice in cell energy density.

Imaging-driven battery diagnosis

Looking inside the battery — Building a safer battery has become a common goal of academia and industry. Although the small errors inside the cells trigger catastrophic failures, identifying local defects or damages without anatomizing the cells and diagnosing cell safety and degradation remain challenging. BMCL group has expertise in real-time, non-invasive magnetic field imaging (MFI) that signals the battery current-induced magnetic field to visualize the current flow of the Li-ion pouch cells. A high-speed, spatially resolved MFI scan successfully derives the current distribution pattern from the cells with different tab positioning at a current load. 

Building safe, sustainable batteries

Safe, environmentally benign, cost-positive battery things — Instead of a Li-ion battery that uses an organic solvent with high fire risk as an electrolyte, we conducted to ensure stability in a grid-scale battery system, such as ESS, by using an aqueous Zn-ion battery with water as an electrolyte. The huge challenges are hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and notorious Zn dendrite growth. The water decomposition at the operating voltage of the battery generates hydrogen, resulting in by-products and decreasing utilization efficiency of Zn. Dendrites growing on zinc metal surfaces cause internal short circuits, reducing battery life.