Anode-free lithium-metal batteries start with the substrate.
Lithiophilic, 3D-structured anode substrates for anode-free lithium metal batteries.
About Alkalinth, Hudson, Massachusetts
Alkalinth makes negative-electrode substrates for anode-free lithium-metal batteries. Our proprietary, scalable roll-to-roll process turns standard copper foil into a lithiophilic, three-dimensional surface that lets lithium plate evenly. It replaces the anode in conventional cells and needs no excess lithium. The foil drops into existing cell manufacturing. Patent pending.
The next generation of batteries offer the promise of carrying twice the charge in half of the space. Alkalinth is focused on producing negative electrode substrates for “anode free” lithium metal batteries. By solving one of the largest challenges of anode free cells (poor Li plating kinetics and low efficiency in initial cycles), Alkalinth is enabling the next generation of battery technology that can be produced at scale in a cost efficient manner.
Technology: a lithiophilic 3D copper substrate
The problem with lithium metal
Lithium metal batteries hold promise due to their inherent high energy density and volumetric efficiency. However, their adoption is limited because of problems with safety due to poor plating kinetics leading to dendrites and mossy “dead” lithium, along with uncontrolled volume change during cycling. Challenges in manufacturing owing to logistics of handling bare Li metal negative electrodes has led to interest in “anode free” cells, but lifetime and performance is even more of a challenge with no seed Li on the negative electrode substrate.
Our solution
The core high-risk technical problem Alkalinth has solved is a replacement for the simple planar copper foils currently used in lithium metal battery anodes, to enable the benefits of anode free cells while overcoming their limitations. Alkalinth’s proprietary process modifies off-the-shelf planar copper foil into a lithiophilic, functionalized 3D surface using a scalable and low cost method.
The lithiophilic nature of Alkalinth’s material comes from the functionalized surface of the substrate itself. Plating kinetics are improved greatly versus pure Cu, allowing even plating of Li over the anode on charge. The process promotes even plating and reduces dendrite and dead-lithium formation. The result is improved coulombic efficiencies, leading to better capacity retention and longer cycle life.
A 3D framework for lithium
The surface of Alkalinth’s substrate is functionalized into a three-dimensional structure. It can be formed in a number of morphologies, each with the potential for unique benefits. Regardless of morphology, the surface develops a high-surface-area skeletal framework for the Li to deposit into during charging. The effect of this permanent high surface area framework is reduced volume change on cycling, allowing a more resilient SEI layer to form and limiting continuous reactions of Li metal with the electrolyte. Our lithiophilic, functionalized 3D structured anode substrate will allow anode free lithium metal batteries to achieve the highest performance, lowest cost and longest cycle life possible.
Read the full explainer: how the substrate works and how to evaluate it.
Further reading: eight independent sources
- Nanda, Manthiram et al., Anode-free full cells: a pathway to high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries, Advanced Energy Materials (2021)
- Copper current collectors for anode-free lithium-metal batteries, EES Batteries (2026, open access)
- Three-dimensional copper current collectors for lithium-metal anodes: a review, Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (2025, open access)
- Yang et al., Accommodating lithium into 3D current collectors with a submicron skeleton, Nature Communications (2015)
- Surface chemistry of the copper current collector in anode-free pouch cells, Nature Communications (2022)
- Battery500 Consortium (US Department of Energy, PNNL): the 500 Wh/kg lithium-metal programme
- US Department of Energy, Vehicle Technologies Office: batteries
- US Geological Survey: graphite statistics and import reliance
Benefits of an anode-free substrate
By replacing incumbent planar foil substrates, our substrate material:
- encourages facile kinetics and ensures even, repeatable deposition, resulting in higher efficiencies and longer cycle life;
- reduces failures from dendrite growth, uncontrolled volume change, and the cumulative effects of inconsistent cycling;
- achieves increased performance because it is metallophilic and features a functionalized, three dimensional structure;
- is handled like planar foil in standard formats and is designed as a drop-in for existing cell lines, requires no special atmosphere;
- is designed for use with standard separators and cathodes; compatible with a wide range of electrolytes.
Where energy density decides the mission: drones, defense, undersea.
Let’s talk about your next cell.
Interested in sampling, partnership or investment? Get in touch with the Alkalinth team.
info@alkalinth.com