KAIST borrows chipmaking tech for anode-free EV batteries

Researchers at KAIST used semiconductor lithography to build a copper current collector for anode-free lithium-metal batteries. A 10 nm MXene coating and an array of 300 nm microtubes quadruple the deposition area and suppress dendrite growth.

• A ~10 nm MXene coating forms a LiF-rich protective layer
• 300 nm microtubes boost surface area roughly fourfold
• The method needs no excess lithium or thick protective films
• The team aims to speed commercialization of anode-free batteries