Overview of Copper-Based Current Collector Design Strategies for Li-Metal and 

Anode-Free Batteries 

▲Graduate students from Professor Young Soo Yoon's research team at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Gachon University are reviewing research data related to Li-metal batteries in the laboratory. 

A new approach to designing current collectors has been proposed to address stability issues in Li-metal batteries, which are garnering attention as next-generation high-energy-density batteries. A research team led by Professor Young Soo Yoon from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering has published findings outlining design strategies for Cu-based current collectors used in Li-metal and anode-free Li-metal batteries.

The findings were published on the 3rd in the international journal 'Chemical Engineering Journal' (IF 13.2, top 3.6% of JCR). The paper, titled “Optimization of Cu-based current collectors for Li-metal and anode-free Li-metal batteries: Can we achieve both stability and practicality?”, features Ph.D. candidate Su Hyeong Kim and Master’s candidate Ji Hyun Lee as co-first authors, with Ph.D. candidate Ha Eun Kang as the second author. Professor Young Soo Yoon served as the corresponding author and advised the research.

▲Research team led by Professor Young Soo Yoon of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering 

(Master’s candidate Ji Hyune Lee, Ph.D. candidate Su Hyeong Kim and Ha Eun Kang) (from left to right) 

This review paper systematically summarizes the design and performance of Cu-based current collectors used in Li-metal batteries and anode-free Li-metal batteries.

Li-metal batteries are attracting attention as next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential. However, issues such as the formation of Li-dendrites (tree-like Li-crystals) or uneven Li deposition during charging and discharging have limited their stability and lifespan.

▲Schematic diagram of the paper 

The research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of existing studies to determined how the surface properties, structural design, and interfacial reactions of copper current collectors influence Li deposition and battery stability. Based on these findings, they systematically proposed current collector design strategies aimed at enhancing Li affinity, achieving uniform Li ion distribution, and controlling interfacial reactions.

Furthermore, by proposing an anode design approach that considers both battery stability and practical applicability in real battery systems, the team outlined a research direction for the practical implementation of next-generation high-energy-density Li-metal batteries.

Professor Young Soo Yoon of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering's Energy Materials Lab has developed an untra-stable solid electrolyte for lithium metal and all-solid-state batteries.

▲Graduate students Ha Eun Kang, Minwook Kim, and Su Hyeong Kim from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering   

A research team led by Professor Young Soo Yoon of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering has developed an ultra-stable solid electrolyte material applicable to lithium metal and all-solid-state batteries. The results were published on the 22nd in the Chemical Engineering Journal (IF 13.2, top 3% of JCR, Q1), an international academic journal in the field of chemical engineering.

This research was conducted at the Energy Materials Laboratory (EML) at Gachon University and led by graduate students Ha Eun Kang, Minwook Kim, and Su Hyeong Kim. The paper is titled "Reducing Li₂CO₃ Formation and Enhancing Ionic Conductivity in Garnet Electrolytes via Molten Salt Synthesis for Lithium Metal Batteries."

The research team applied Molten Salt Synthesis (MSS) to address solid electrolyte surface degradation and the resulting reduction in ion mobility, both of which have been identified as issues in lithium metal and all-solid-state batteries. Through this, the oxide-based solid electrolyte controlled the formation of lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) on the surface when exposed to air, and induced the formation of a stable crystal structure.