Lithium electrode for lithium metal battery and method of manufacturing the lithium electrode

Abstract

Disclosed are a lithium electrode for a lithium metal battery, which uses a solid high-ionic conductor having a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure, wherein a lithium metal or lithium alloy is filled into each pore and dispersed, and a method for manufacturing the lithium electrode. By applying a solid high-ionic conductor having a 3D porous structure, an ion conduction path is secured in the lithium electrode using the solid high-ionic conductor instead of a conventional liquid electrolyte, electrical-chemical reactivity in charging and discharging are further improved, and shelf life and high rate capability are enhanced.

1 . A lithium electrode for a lithium metal battery, the lithium electrode comprising:
 a solid high-ionic conductor having a 3D porous structure;   a lithium metal or lithium alloy filled in a plurality of open pores of the 3D porous structure; and   a collector coupled onto a surface of the solid high-ionic conductor.   
     
     
         2 . The lithium electrode of  claim 1 , wherein the lithium metal or lithium alloy is filled in each open pore of the 3D porous structure. 
     
     
         3 . The lithium electrode of  claim 1 , further comprising a reaction activating material coated onto an interface between the solid high-ionic conductor and the lithium metal to improve interfacial reaction. 
     
     
         4 . The lithium electrode of  claim 3 , wherein the reaction activating material is selected from the group consisting of aluminium (Al), indium (In) metal, Al 2 O 3 , ZrO 2 , ceramic materials, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The method of claim  5 , wherein the solid high-ionic conductor is manufactured with any one or more materials selected from the group consisting of LiSICON (γ-Li 3 PO 4  derivative), Thio-LiSICON (Li 3.25 Ge 0.25 P 0.75 S 4  derivative), NaSiCON (NaZr 2 P 3 O 12  derivative), Perovskite (La 2/3 Li1 1/3 TiO 3  derivative), Garnet (Li 5 La 3 M 2 O 12 , M=Ta,Nb derivative), LiPON, LiPOS, LiSON, and LiSIPON. 
     
     
         9 - 13 . (canceled)