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Solid electrolyte interphase in semi-solid flow batteries: a wolf in sheep's clothing
E Ventosa1, G Zampardi, C Flox
1Catalonia Institute for Energy Research, Jardins de les Dones de Negre, e1, 08930 Sant Adria de Besos, Barcelona, Spain. edgar.ventosa@rub.de.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|August 6, 2015
Summary
The alkyl carbonate-derived solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) allows low-potential materials in lithium-ion batteries. However, in semi-solid flow batteries, this SEI hinders electron transfer, limiting operating potentials.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) derived from alkyl carbonates is crucial for enabling active materials at very cathodic potentials in lithium-ion batteries.
- Semi-solid flow batteries offer unique advantages for energy storage but face challenges related to interfacial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the alkyl carbonate-derived SEI on electron transfer in semi-solid flow batteries.
- To understand the limitations imposed by the SEI on the operating potentials of these advanced battery systems.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical characterization of semi-solid electrodes.
- Analysis of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and properties.
- Evaluation of electron transfer kinetics at the fluid electrode-current collector interface.
Main Results:
- The formation of the alkyl carbonate-derived SEI, while beneficial in conventional Li-ion batteries, hinders electron transfer in semi-solid flow battery configurations.
- This hindered electron transfer restricts the practical operating potentials to approximately 0.8 V vs. Li/Li(+) for electrolytes based on ethylene carbonate (EC).
Conclusions:
- The SEI presents a significant challenge for achieving the full potential of active materials in semi-solid flow batteries.
- Strategies to mitigate SEI-related interfacial resistance are necessary to expand the operating voltage window and enhance the performance of these batteries.
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