Zhibin Xu

Suppression of Lithium Dendrite Formation by Using LAGP-PEO (LiTFSI) Composite Solid Electrolyte and Lithium Metal Anode Modified by PEO (LiTFSI) in All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

The formation of lithium dendrites is suppressed using a Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3-poly(ethylene oxide) (LAGP-PEO) composite solid electrolyte and a PEO (lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide) [PEO (LiTFSI)]-modified lithium metal anode in all-solid-state lithium batteries. The effects on the anode performance based on the PEO content in the composite solid electrolyte and the molecular weight of PEO used to modify the Li anode are studied. The structure, surface morphology, and stability of the composite solid electrolyte are examined by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical tests. Results show that the presence of a PEO-500000(LiTFSI) film on a Li anode results in good mechanical properties and satisfactory interface contact features. The film can also prevent Li from reacting with LAGP. Furthermore, the formation of lithium dendrites can be effectively inhibited as the composite solid electrolyte is combined with the PEO film on the Li anode. The ratio of PEO in the composite solid electrolyte can be reduced to a low level of 1 wt %. PEO remains stable even at a high potential of 5.12 V (vs Li/Li+). The assembled Li-PEO (LiTFSI)/LAGP-PEO/LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4 all-solid-state cell can deliver an initial discharge capacity of 160.8 mAh g-1 and exhibit good cycling stability and rate performance at 50 °C.

A novel quasi-solid state electrolyte with highly effective polysulfide diffusion inhibition for lithium-sulfur batteries.

Polymer solid state electrolytes are actively sought for their potential application in energy storage devices, particularly lithium metal rechargeable batteries. Herein, we report a polymer with high concentration salts as a quasi-solid state electrolyte used for lithium-sulfur cells, which shows an ionic conductivity of 1.6 mS cm−1 at room temperature. The cycling performance of Li-S battery with this electrolyte shows a long cycle life (300 cycles) and high coulombic efficiency (>98%), without any consuming additives in the electrolyte. Moreover, it also shows a remarkably decreased self-discharge (only 0.2%) after storage for two weeks at room temperature. The reason can be attributed to that the electrolyte can suppress polysulfide anions diffusion, due to the high ratio oxygen atoms with negative charges which induce an electrical repulsion to the polysulfide anions, and their relatively long chains which can provide additional steric hindrance. Thus, the polysulfide anions can be located around carbon particles, which result in remarkably improved overall electrochemical performance, and also the electrolyte have a function of suppress the formation of lithium dendrites on the lithium anode surface.

Lithium Dendrite Suppression and Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility Enabled by an Ex Situ SEI on Li Anode for LAGP-Based All-Solid-State Batteries

The electrode-electrolyte interface stability is a critical factor influencing cycle performance of All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Here, we propose a LiF- and Li3N-enriched artificial solid state electrolyte interphase (SEI) protective layer on metallic lithium (Li). The SEI layer can stabilize metallic Li anode and improve the interface compatibility at the Li anode side in ASSLBs. We also developed a Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3-poly(ethylene oxide) (LAGP-PEO) concrete structured composite solid electrolyte. The symmetric Li/LAGP-PEO/Li cells with SEI-protected Li anodes have been stably cycled with small polarization at a current density of 0.05 mA cm-2 at 50 °C for nearly 400 h. ASSLB-based on SEI-protected Li anode, LAGP-PEO electrolyte, and LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode exhibits excellent cyclic stability with an initial discharge capacity of 147.2 mA h g-1 and a retention of 96% after 200 cycles.