Lithium ion battery including coated current collector and method of forming same

Abstract

Lithium ion batteries and methods for producing such batteries are provided. A lithium ion battery includes a lithium metal anode (LMA), a cathode, and an electrolyte between the LMA and the cathode. The LMA includes a current collector and a deformable layer on a surface of the current collector. The deformable layer is lithium ion conductive and includes a polymer material. The cathode has a lithium intercalation material. In some examples, lithium metal is electroplated on the deformable layer during charging of the lithium ion battery to define an electroplated lithium layer between the deformable layer and the electrolyte, and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed on the electroplated lithium layer that separates the electroplated lithium layer from the electrolyte.

Description

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to lithium ion batteries and, more particularly, to lithium ion batteries including current conductors having a deformable layer on a surface thereof. Background Art

[0002] High energy density rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, are used in a variety of applications, including consumer electronics and electric vehicles. While significant improvements have been achieved in these batteries, efforts continue to produce new battery configurations with improved overall performance and / or reduced size.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a high energy density rechargeable battery pack with improved performance and / or reduced size.Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. Summary of the invention

[0004] A lithium ion battery is provided. In one example, the lithium ion battery includes a lithium metal anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte between the lithium metal anode and the cathode. The lithium metal anode includes a current collector and a deformable layer on a surface of the current collector. The deformable layer is lithium ion conductive and includes a polymer material. The cathode has a lithium intercalation material.

[0005] In various examples, the lithium-ion battery is a hostless cell, wherein lithium metal is electroplated on the deformable layer during charging of the lithium-ion battery to define a plated lithium layer between the deformable layer and the electrolyte, and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed on the plated lithium layer to separate the plated lithium layer from the electrolyte. The deformable layer is configured to reduce interfacial stress acting on the SEI layer during cycling of the lithium-ion battery.

[0006] In various examples, the Young's modulus of the deformable layer of the lithium-ion battery is less than the Young's modulus of the SEI layer formed during charging of the lithium-ion battery.

[0007] In various examples, the deformable layer of the lithium-ion battery has a thickness between 5 nanometers and 100 nanometers.

[0008] In various examples, the deformable layer of the lithium-ion battery includes polyamide, polyaniline (PANI), polythiophene (PTH), polypyrrole (PPy), polyester, polyethylene, derivatives of nitrile rubber, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which have been modified by adding conductive particles.

[0009] In various examples, a deformable layer of a lithium-ion battery includes a conductive polymer hydrogel.

[0010] In various examples, the deformable layer of the lithium-ion battery includes polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) with CNTs, or poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), polyacrylic acid (PAA) with conductive nanofillers such as metal nanowires, carbon black, metal nanoparticles, CNTs, graphene, or conductive polymer particles.

[0011] In various examples, a deformable layer of a lithium-ion battery includes a compound having two or more -OH groups and / or an elastomer in a concentration sufficient to promote mechanical stretchability of the polymer.

[0012] A method is provided, which in one example includes forming a lithium metal anode comprising a deformable layer on a surface of a current collector, wherein the deformable layer is lithium ion conductive and comprises a polymer material, and assembling the lithium metal anode with a cathode having a lithium intercalation material and an electrolyte between the lithium metal anode and the cathode to define a lithium ion battery.

[0013] In various examples, forming the deformable layer on the current collector includes depositing a polymer material onto the surface of the current collector by a spin coating or spray coating process. In various examples, the method includes controlling the thickness of the deformable layer by controlling the viscosity and concentration of the polymer material, and controlling the rotation speed of the current collector and the deposition duration of the polymer material during the spin coating or spray coating process.

[0014] In various examples, forming the deformable layer on the current collector includes depositing a polymer material onto a surface of the current collector by an electroplating process. In various examples, the method includes controlling a thickness of the deformable layer by controlling a charge per unit area during the electroplating process.

[0015] In various examples, wherein a lithium-ion battery is configured to electroplate lithium metal on a deformable layer during charging of the lithium-ion battery to define a plated lithium layer between the deformable layer and the electrolyte, and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed on the plated lithium layer to separate the plated lithium layer from the electrolyte, wherein the deformable layer is configured to reduce interfacial stress acting on the SEI layer during cycling of the lithium-ion battery, wherein the deformable layer of the lithium-ion battery produced by the method has a Young's modulus that is less than a Young's modulus of the SEI layer formed during charging of the lithium-ion battery.

[0016] In various examples, the deformable layer of a lithium-ion battery produced by this method has a thickness between 5 nanometers and 100 nanometers.

[0017] In various examples, the deformable layer of the lithium-ion battery produced by this method includes polyamide, polyaniline (PANI), polythiophene (PTH), polypyrrole (PPy), polyester, polyethylene, derivatives of nitrile rubber, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which have been modified by adding conductive particles.

[0018] In various examples, the deformable layer of the lithium-ion battery produced by the method includes a conductive polymer hydrogel.

[0019] In various examples, the deformable layer of the lithium-ion battery produced by the method includes polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) with CNTs, or poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), polyacrylic acid (PAA) with conductive nanofillers such as metal nanowires, carbon black, metal nanoparticles, CNTs, graphene, or conductive polymer particles.

[0020] In various examples, a deformable layer of a lithium-ion battery produced by the method includes a compound having two or more -OH groups and / or an elastomer in a concentration sufficient to promote mechanical stretchability of the polymer.

[0021] A vehicle is provided, in one example, the vehicle includes a lithium-ion battery pack and a propulsion system, the lithium-ion battery pack including a lithium-ion battery, the propulsion system being configured to receive power from the lithium-ion battery pack. The lithium-ion battery includes a lithium metal anode, a cathode having a lithium intercalation material, and an electrolyte between the lithium metal anode and the cathode. The lithium metal anode includes a current collector and a deformable layer on a surface of the current collector, wherein the deformable layer is lithium ion conductive and includes a polymer material. During charging of the lithium-ion battery, lithium metal is electroplated on the deformable layer to define a plated lithium layer between the deformable layer and the electrolyte, and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed on the plated lithium layer to separate the plated lithium layer from the electrolyte. The Young's modulus of the deformable layer is less than the Young's modulus of the SEI layer formed during charging of the lithium-ion battery. The deformable layer has a thickness between 5 nanometers and 100 nanometers. The deformable layer is configured to reduce the interfacial stress acting on the SEI layer during cycling of the lithium-ion battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3are schematic diagrams showing an exemplary lithium-ion battery in an uncycled assembled state, a charged state, and a discharged state, respectively, according to an example;

[0024] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of coating a solid electrolyte according to an example; and

[0025] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of an example vehicle including a lithium-ion battery pack according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description.

[0027] First reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , presents an exemplary lithium-ion battery 100. The lithium-ion battery 100 may be one of a plurality of lithium-ion batteries within a lithium-ion battery pack. The lithium-ion battery 100 and / or a lithium-ion battery pack including the lithium-ion battery 100 may be used to provide power to various electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and the like.

[0028] The lithium-ion battery 100 includes a lithium metal anode (LMA) including a first current collector 110 (also referred to as an anode-side current collector 110); an electrolyte 130; a cathode 140 and a second current collector 150 (also referred to as a cathode-side current collector 150). The LMA includes a deformable layer 120 directly on and in contact with a surface 112 of the anode-side current collector 110. In some examples, the LMA includes a lithium metal layer (an initial lithium metal layer 180 or a plating layer 160). In some examples, the LMA does not initially include an initial lithium metal layer 180 or a plating layer 160, that is, lithium ions are stored in the cathode 140.

[0029] In this example, the lithium-ion battery 100 is configured as an “anode-less” or “host-less” lithium-ion battery, that is, the lithium-ion battery 100 does not include a cathode 140 configured to receive and store lithium ions (Li + ) of the anode host material (e.g., graphite) of the matrix. In contrast, the lithium-ion battery 100 is configured to convert lithium metal (Li 0 ) is directly electroplated on the deformable layer 120, resulting in the electroplated lithium layer 160 being on and in direct contact with the surface 122 of the deformable layer 120, as described in more detail below.

[0030] The lithium metal anode includes lithium metal as an active anode material. In various examples, in the initial assembly state of the lithium-ion battery 100, the lithium metal anode may include an initial lithium metal layer 180, which includes, for example, lithium metal (e.g., Li film or foil) pressed to the anode side collector 110. In some examples, in the initial assembly state of the lithium-ion battery 100, the lithium metal anode does not include a lithium metal layer. The anode side collector 110 can be formed of various materials, including materials used in the art for lithium ion anode side collectors. In some examples, the anode side collector 110 may include copper or its alloys, or be formed of copper or its alloys. In some examples, the anode side collector 110 may be a metal layer (e.g., a film or foil).

[0031] The deformable layer 120 is configured to provide stress relief on the surface 112 of the anode-side current collector 110, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer 170 formed between the deformable layer 120 and the electrolyte 130 during operation of the lithium-ion battery 100. Generally, the SEI layer 170 is a solid layer formed inside the lithium battery when the lithium battery is used (i.e., cycled). During the charge and discharge cycles, when the electrolyte contacts the electrodes, the solvent in the electrolyte that accompanies the lithium ions during charging reacts with the electrodes and decomposes. This decomposition results in the formation of various compounds, such as LiF, LiO and / or Li 2 CO 3 . These compounds precipitate on the electrode and form a passivation layer several nanometers thick. This passivation layer protects the electrode from corrosion and further consumption of the electrolyte. In some instances, nucleation of lithium metal on the SEI layer may result in compressive interfacial stresses between the SEI layer and the current collector, which may damage or rupture the SEI layer, resulting in the appearance of pores therein. Such pores may act as channels that promote the formation of lithium dendrites, which may deteriorate the performance of the lithium-ion battery due to, for example, consumption of the electrolyte and an increased likelihood of soft shorts. In various examples disclosed herein, the deformable layer 120 is configured to undergo elastic deformation to absorb, reduce, or dissipate local concentrations of interfacial compressive stresses between the anode side current collector 110 and the SEI layer 170, which would otherwise potentially damage the SEI layer 170. In this way, the SEI layer 170 can be protected from damage and the likelihood of lithium dendrite formation can be reduced. Although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The SEI layer 170 present in the lithium-ion battery 100 is shown, but it should be understood that Figure 1 As indicated in , before cycling of the lithium ion battery 100 , the SEI layer 170 may not be present in the lithium ion battery 100 in an initial assembly state of the lithium ion battery 100 .

[0032] In order to promote preferential deformation of the deformable layer 120 rather than the SEI layer 170, the deformable layer 120 preferably has a Young's modulus less than that of the SEI layer 170. In various examples, the deformable layer 120 includes or is formed of a conductive polymer material, such as a conductive polymer or a non-conductive polymer including a conductive additive. In various examples, the deformable layer 120 includes or is formed of a conductive polymer, such as, but not limited to, certain polyamides, polyaniline (PANI), polythiophene (PTH), polypyrrole (PPy), polyester, polyethylene, conductive acrylic resins such as derivatives of nitrile rubber (with or without metal additive species), poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which have been modified by adding conductive particles (including carbon-based particles, metal oxides, metal nitrides). In various examples, the deformable layer 120 includes or is formed of a conductive polymer hydrogel (i.e., a three-dimensional (3D) polymer network), such as, but not limited to, a mixture of PANI and phytic acid (used as a gelling agent or dopant for the conductive polymer). In various examples, the deformable layer 120 includes or is formed of a non-conductive polymer with a conductive additive, such as, but not limited to, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) with CNTs, or certain elastomers, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), polyacrylic acid (PAA) with conductive nanofillers (such as metal nanowires, carbon black, metal nanoparticles, CNTs, graphene, or conductive polymer particles).

[0033] In various examples, the deformable layer 120 may include a polymer material including an organic or inorganic additive that promotes its flexibility. For example, the deformable layer 120 may include a polymer material including an additive that causes its plasticization (i.e., destruction / interference of intermolecular forces within the polymer). For example, compounds having two or more -OH groups (such as D-sorbitol, glycerol, malic acid, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, triethylene glycol) or certain elastomers (such as waterborne polyurethane (WPU)) can be used as additives to enhance the mechanical stretchability of certain conductive polymers (such as PEDOT:PSS). In some examples, additives may be included in the polymer material to promote flexibility and conductivity.

[0034] In some examples, the deformable layer 120 has a thickness between about 5 nanometers and about 100 nanometers. Thicknesses within this range are believed to promote stress relief while maintaining sufficient transport interaction between the anode-side current collector 110 and lithium metal.

[0035] The electrolyte 130 may be formed of various materials, including materials used in the art for lithium-ion liquid electrolytes and lithium-ion solid electrolytes (SSE). In some examples, the electrolyte 130 may be a lithium salt solution (e.g., lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6 )). For examples using a liquid electrolyte, the lithium-ion battery may include a separator (e.g., a polyolefin membrane). In some examples, the electrolyte 130 may be an oxide-based SSE. In some examples, the electrolyte 130 may be an SSE formed of or including a garnet-type lithium ion conductor material (LLMO) including a composition consisting of lithium, lanthanum, oxygen, and one of zirconium, niobium, or tantalum (i.e., M is Zr, Nb, or Ta). As a specific example, the electrolyte 130 may be a SSE including Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) or by Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) formed SSE.

[0036] Cathode 140 can be formed of a variety of materials, including materials used in the art for lithium-ion cathodes, including lithiated and non-lithiated cathodes. In some examples, cathode 140 includes or is formed of a lithium intercalation material. In some examples, cathode 140 includes lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi x Mn y Co 1-x-y O 2 ; NMC) or lithium nickel manganese oxide (spinel LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 ; LNMO), or lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi x Mn y Co 1-x-y O 2 ; NMC) or lithium nickel manganese oxide (spinel LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 ; LNMO). Cathode side current collector 150 can be formed of various materials, including materials used in the art for lithium ion cathode side current collectors. In some examples, cathode side current collector 150 can include aluminum or its alloys, or be formed of aluminum or its alloys.

[0037] Cathode side current collector 150 may be formed of various materials, including materials used in the art for lithium ion cathode side current collectors. In some examples, cathode side current collector 150 may include or be formed of aluminum or its alloys.

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cycles of the lithium-ion battery 100 in the discharge and charge states are shown respectively. Figure 2 ), the deformable layer 120 and the electrolyte 130 are in contact with and / or substantially close to each other. In the charged state ( Figure 3 ), a lithium metal electroplated lithium layer 160 is between the deformable layer 120 and the electrolyte 130. The lithium ion battery 100 can be repeatedly cycled (i.e., charged and / or discharged) to switch between the charged and discharged states. During the charging cycle, lithium ions (Li + ) is reduced, diffuses through the electrolyte 130, and is converted into lithium metal (Li 0 ) is electroplated on the deformable layer 120 to form a plated lithium layer 160. During a discharge cycle, the plated lithium metal is stripped from the deformable layer 120, diffuses through the electrolyte 130 as lithium ions, and returns to the cathode 140.

[0039] Reference now Figure 4 And continue to refer to Figure 1-Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart provides a method 200 for coating a current collector (e.g., anode side current collector 110) and forming a lithium ion battery (e.g., lithium ion battery 100). It is understood from the present disclosure that the order of operations within method 200 is not limited to the following. Figure 4 Rather, the steps are not performed in the order shown in the drawings, but may be performed in one or more altered orders where applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0040] In one example, method 200 may begin at 210. At 212, method 200 may include providing, receiving, or forming a current collector (e.g., anode side current collector 110). Processes for forming current collectors are known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. The current collector may include or be formed of a variety of materials, including those previously discussed with respect to anode side current collector 110.

[0041] At 214, method 200 may include forming a deformable layer (e.g., deformable layer 120) on the surface of the current collector. The deformable layer is lithium ion conductive and includes a polymer material. The deformable layer may be formed by various processes. In some examples, the deformable layer may be formed by depositing the polymer material onto the surface of the current collector by spin coating, spray coating, roller coating, or slot die coating processes. In such examples, method 200 may include controlling the thickness of the deformable layer by controlling the viscosity and concentration of the polymer material, and controlling the rotation speed of the current collector and the deposition duration of the polymer material during the spin coating or spray coating process. In some alternative examples, the deformable layer may be formed by depositing the polymer material onto the surface of the current collector by an electroplating process. In such examples, method 200 may include controlling the thickness of the deformable layer by controlling the charge per unit area during the electroplating process.

[0042] At 216, method 200 may include forming a lithium metal layer (e.g., initial lithium metal layer 180) on the deformable layer to define a lithium metal anode including a current collector, a deformable layer, and a lithium metal layer. In some examples, for example, the lithium metal may be a thin film positioned between the deformable layer and the current collector. In such examples, a pressing process may be performed to form the lithium metal anode.

[0043] At 218, method 200 may include providing, receiving, or forming an electrolyte (e.g., electrolyte 130). Processes for forming an electrolyte are known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. In some examples, the electrolyte may be a liquid electrolyte. In some examples, the electrolyte may be an SSE. For example, the electrolyte may include or be formed of a variety of materials, including those previously discussed with respect to electrolyte 130.

[0044] At 220, method 200 may include providing, receiving, or forming a cathode (e.g., cathode 140). Processes for forming cathodes are known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. The cathode may include or be formed of a variety of materials, including those previously discussed with respect to cathode 140.

[0045] At 222 , method 200 may include assembling a lithium metal anode and a cathode with an electrolyte therebetween to define a lithium ion battery (eg, lithium ion battery 100 ). Method 200 may end at 224 .

[0046] Reference now Figure 5According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle 10 is provided. In some examples, the vehicle 10 includes an automobile. In various examples, the vehicle 10 can be any of a variety of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a van, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and in some examples can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles.

[0047] like Figure 5 As depicted in FIG. 1 , an exemplary vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotationally coupled to the chassis 12 near a respective corner of the body 14.

[0048] The vehicle 10 also includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, and at least one lithium-ion battery pack 21. The propulsion system 20 includes an electric motor or a hybrid electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system 20 to the wheels 16-18 according to a selectable speed ratio. According to various examples, the transmission system 22 may include a stepped ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or other suitable transmission. The steering system 24 affects the position of the wheels 16-18. Although depicted as including a steering wheel for illustrative purposes, in some examples contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel. The propulsion system 20 receives power from at least one lithium-ion battery pack 21, which is suitable for powering the operation of the propulsion system 20 and / or components thereof (e.g., the electric motor). The lithium-ion battery pack 21 may include one or more lithium-ion batteries, such as Figure 1-Figure 3 of lithium-ion batteries 100.

[0049] The lithium-ion cells, batteries, and methods disclosed herein provide various benefits over certain existing lithium-ion cells, batteries, and methods. For example, the cycling of a lithium-ion battery may generate interfacial compressive stresses between the SEI layer and the current collector, which may damage or rupture the SEI layer, resulting in pores therein. Such pores may act as channels that promote the formation of lithium dendrites, which may deteriorate the performance of the lithium-ion battery due to, for example, the consumption of electrolytes and the increase in the possibility of soft shorts. In this example, the deformable layer 120 reduces the local concentration of interfacial compressive stresses acting on the SEI layer 170, thereby reducing the possibility of damaging the SEI layer 170, which in turn can reduce the possibility of forming lithium dendrites. Therefore, the presence of the deformable layer 120 can promote the reduction of lithium inventory losses, improve cycle life, improve battery performance, and extend the usable life.

[0050] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A lithium-ion battery comprising: Lithium metal anode, comprising: Current collector; a deformable layer on a surface of the current collector, wherein the deformable layer is lithium ion conductive and comprises a polymer material; and a cathode having a lithium intercalation material; and An electrolyte is provided between the lithium metal anode and the cathode.

2. The lithium ion battery according to claim 1, wherein The lithium-ion battery is a host-less battery, wherein lithium metal is electroplated on the deformable layer during charging of the lithium-ion battery to define a plated lithium layer between the deformable layer and the electrolyte, and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed on the plated lithium layer to separate the plated lithium layer from the electrolyte, wherein the deformable layer is configured to reduce interfacial stress acting on the SEI layer during cycling of the lithium-ion battery.

3. The lithium ion battery according to claim 2, wherein: The deformable layer has a Young's modulus that is less than a Young's modulus of the SEI layer formed during charging of the lithium ion battery.

4. The lithium ion battery according to claim 1, wherein: The deformable layer has a thickness between 5 nanometers and 100 nanometers.

5. The lithium ion battery according to claim 1, wherein: The deformable layer comprises: Polyamide, polyaniline (PANI), polythiophene (PTH), polypyrrole (PPy), polyester, polyethylene, derivatives of nitrile rubber, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which have been modified by the addition of conductive particles; Conductive polymer hydrogels; Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) with CNTs, or poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), polyacrylic acid (PAA) with conductive nanofillers such as metal nanowires, carbon black, metal nanoparticles, CNTs, graphene or conductive polymer particles; or Compounds having two or more -OH groups and / or elastomers in a concentration sufficient to promote mechanical stretchability of the polymeric material.

6. A method comprising: forming a lithium metal anode comprising a deformable layer on and in contact with a surface of a current collector, wherein the deformable layer is lithium ion conductive and comprises a polymer material; and The lithium metal anode is assembled with a cathode having a lithium intercalation material and an electrolyte between the lithium metal anode and the cathode to define a lithium ion battery.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Forming the deformable layer on the collector includes depositing the polymer material onto the surface of the collector by a spin coating or spray coating process, and the method includes controlling the thickness of the deformable layer by controlling the viscosity and concentration of the polymer material and controlling the rotation speed of the collector and the deposition duration of the polymer material during the spin coating or spray coating process.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Forming the deformable layer on the current collector includes depositing the polymer material onto the surface of the current collector by an electroplating process, and the method includes controlling the thickness of the deformable layer by controlling the charge per unit area during the electroplating process.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The lithium-ion battery is configured to electroplate lithium metal on the deformable layer during charging of the lithium-ion battery to define a plated lithium layer between the deformable layer and the electrolyte, and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed on the plated lithium layer to separate the plated lithium layer from the electrolyte, wherein the Young's modulus of the deformable layer is less than the Young's modulus of the SEI layer formed during charging of the lithium-ion battery, wherein the deformable layer has a thickness between 5 nanometers and 100 nanometers.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The deformable layer comprises: Polyamide, polyaniline (PANI), polythiophene (PTH), polypyrrole (PPy), polyester, polyethylene, derivatives of nitrile rubber, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which have been modified by the addition of conductive particles; Conductive polymer hydrogels; Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) with CNTs, or poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), polyacrylic acid (PAA) with conductive nanofillers such as metal nanowires, carbon black, metal nanoparticles, CNTs, graphene or conductive polymer particles; or Compounds having two or more -OH groups and / or elastomers in a concentration sufficient to promote mechanical stretchability of the polymeric material.

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