Laser texturing of 3D Copper current collector for ultrafast Zinc metal plating

Anode-free metal batteries with increased energy density hold promise for next-generation energy storage systems. However, the development of unwanted metal dendrites limits their practical application as electrodes. Zinc-ion batteries are promising since zinc is low-cost and allows the use of non-flammable aqueous electrolytes. 3D electrodes can reduce the current density per unit area and thus the dendrite formation. Quick laser texturing can selectively enhance zincphilicity within the grooves on Cu current collectors, increasing the charging rate. In this study, laser textures with different depths are performed on 100 µm Cu sheets electrode. Then, zinc metal is electrolytically deposited on the substrates and characterized by morphological and chemical (SEM/EDS) analysis. The half-cells with these collectors are tested in their functionality using a potentiostat. The textured current collectors will be evaluated as electrodes in Zn-ion batteries to achieve high charging rates.