A novel 3D bimodal porous current collector with large interconnected spherical channels for improved capacity and cycling stability of Sn anode in Li-ion batteries

Introducing bimodal porous current collector with high open porosity and good mechanical stability has been expected to be a very effective approach to improve the areal capacity and cycling performance of Sn anode for lithium ion batteries. In this study, a novel 3D bimodal porous current collector with large interconnected spherical channels of 100-200 μm and nano-pores of 100-150 nm was fabricated by molten-metal infiltration and dealloying. It is found that Sn coated bimodal porous composite electrodes with good mechanical stability can exhibit higher areal capacity and cycling stability than other bimodal porous electrodes and the planar electrodes.