No Arabic abstract
Silicon is a promising candidate for negative electrodes due to its high theoretical specific capacity (~3579 mAh g-1) and low lithiation potential (~0.40 V vs Li). However, its practical applications in battery have been inhibited by the large volume change (~400%) induced by Li+-insertion into Si lattices. Here, we attempt to resolve this issue at a fundamental level, and report for the first time a novel liquid metal (LM)-mediated spontaneous repairing conductive-additive-free Si anode for Li-ion battery. The fluidity of LM ensures the eternal contact between Si and the conducting-network during its repeated electrochemical reactions. The as-prepared nano-composite of LM/Si leads to superior performances as characterized by high capacity utilization (2300 mAh g-1 at 500 mA g-1), long-term stability (968 mAh g-1 after 1500 charge-discharge cycles at 8 A g-1 with 81.3% retention), high rate capability (360 mAh g-1 at 20 A g-1, equivalence of 55 C, or full charge/discharge in 65 seconds), and, in particular, an extra-ordinarily high initial coulombic efficiency (95.92%), which is not only the highest reported for Si to the best of our knowledge, but also higher than the mature graphitic carbon anodes. The unique approach described in this work not only resolves the basic stress challenges faced by the promising but often problematic alloy-type materials; in broader context it also provides a universal inspiration to all electrode materials whose electric properties suffer from extreme mechanic upheavals induced by the electrochemical strains during the cell reactions.
Li-ion rechargeable batteries have enabled the wireless revolution transforming global communication. Future challenges, however, demands distributed energy supply at a level that is not feasible with the current energy-storage technology. New materials, capable of providing higher energy density are needed. Here we report a new class of lithium-ion batteries based on a graphene ink anode and a lithium iron phosphate cathode. By carefully balancing the cell composition and suppressing the initial irreversible capacity of the anode, we demonstrate an optimal battery performance in terms of specific capacity, i.e. 165 mAhg-1, estimated energy density of about 190 Whkg-1 and life, with a stable operation for over 80 charge-discharge cycles. We link these unique properties to the graphene nanoflake anode displaying crystalline order and high uptake of lithium at the edges, as well as to its structural and morphological optimization in relation to the overall battery composition. Our approach, compatible with any printing technologies, is cheap and scalable and opens up new opportunities for the development of high-capacity Li-ion batteries.
Solid state battery technology has recently garnered considerable interest from companies including Toyota, BMW, Dyson, and others. The primary driver behind the commercialization of solid state batteries (SSBs) is to enable the use of lithium metal as the anode, as opposed to the currently used carbon anode, which would result in ~20% energy density improvement. However, no reported solid state battery to date meets all of the performance metrics of state of the art liquid electrolyte lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and indeed several solid state electrolyte (SSE) technologies may never reach parity with current LIBs. We begin with a review of state of the art LIBs, including their current performance characteristics, commercial trends in cost, and future possibilities. We then discuss current SSB research by focusing on three classes of solid state electrolytes: Sulfides, Polymers, and Oxides. We discuss recent and ongoing commercialization attempts in the SSB field. Finally, we conclude with our perspective and timeline for the future of commercial batteries.
Lithium metal cells are key towards achieving high specific energy and energy density for electrification of transportation and aviation. Anode-free cells are the limiting case of lithium metal cells involving no excess lithium and the highest possible specific energy. In addition, anode-free cells are easier, cheaper and safer as they avoid handling and manufacturing of lithium metal foils. Issues related to dendrite growth and poor cycling are magnified in anode-free cells due to lack of excess lithium. Electrolyte and current collector surface play a crucial role in affecting the cycling performance of anode-free cells. In this work, we have computationally screened for candidate current collectors that can nucleate lithium effectively and allow uniform growth. These are determined by the free energy of lithium adsorption and lithium surface diffusion barrier on candidate current collectors. Using density functional theory calculations, we show that Li-alloys possess ideal characteristics for Li nucleation and growth. These can lead to vastly improved specific energy compared to current transition metal current collectors.
We study two thermo-electrochemical models for lithium-ion batteries. The first is based on volume averaging the electrode microstructure whereas the second is based on the pseudo-two-dimensional (P2D) approach which treats the electrode as a collection of spherical particles. A scaling analysis is used to reduce the volume-averaged model and show that the electrochemical reactions are the dominant source of heat. Matched asymptotic expansions are used to compute solutions of the volume-averaged model for the cases of constant applied current, oscillating applied current, and constant cell potential. The asymptotic and numerical solutions of the volume-averaged model are in remarkable agreement with numerical solutions of the thermal P2D model for (dis)charge rates up to 2C, and reasonable agreement is found at 4C. Homogenisation is then used to derive a thermal model for a battery consisting of several connected lithium-ion cells. Despite accounting for the Arrhenius dependence of the reaction coefficients, we show that thermal runaway does not occur in the model. Instead, the cell potential is simply pushed closer to the open-circuit potential. We also show that in many cases, the homogenised battery model can be solved analytically, making it ideal for use in on-board thermal management systems.
The path toward Li-ion batteries with higher energy-densities will likely involve use of thin lithium metal (Li) anode (<50 $mu$m in thickness), whose cyclability today remains limited by dendrite formation and low Coulombic efficiency. Previous studies have shown that the solid-electrolyte-interface (SEI) of Li metal plays a crucial role in Li electrodeposition and stripping. However, design rules for optimal SEIs on lithium metal are not well-established. Here, using integrated experimental and modeling studies on a series of structurally-similar SEI-modifying compounds as model systems, we reveal the relationship between SEI compositions, Li deposition morphology and coulombic efficiency, and identify two key descriptors (ionicity and compactness) for high performance SEIs through integrated experimental and modeling studies. Using this understanding, we design a highly ionic and compact SEI that shows excellent cycling performance in LiCoO$_2$-Li full cells at practical current densities. Our results provide guidance for the rational selection and optimization of SEI modifiers to further improve Li metal anodes.