Researchers at the University of Science and Technology Beijing developed a nitrogen-doped carbon foam with embedded cobalt nanoparticles to control lithium deposition in lithium metal batteries. The scaffold spreads current across a larger surface and gives lithium preferred nucleation sites, which reduces dendrite growth and volume stress. In tests, the anode ran for 900 hours in symmetric cells and full cells with NCM811 cathodes kept 84.3% capacity after 300 cycles. The work is still at the research stage. Commercial cells need lean electrolyte, higher loadings, and longer life. But the one-step foaming process is a practical plus, since it avoids multi-step manufacturing. Lithium metal anodes could raise energy density for EVs and stationary storage, which matters for emissions tied to battery production and grid decarbonization.
