METHODS OF FABRICATION OF ENGINEERED CARBON NANOFIBER/CU ELECTRODE ARCHITECTURES FOR DENDRITE-FREE HIGH EFFICIENCY LI METAL BATTERIES

The inventive concepts include at least an electrode architecture including a composite structure that includes engineered carbon nanofibers, a lithium-impervious elastic polymer, a copper collector and a lithium-containing cathode; dendrite-free, lithium metal-plated anode that includes the electrode architecture; and a lithium metal-based lithium ion battery that includes the lithium metal-plated anode, liquid and solid electrolytes and a lithium-free cathode.