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Infiltration of Solution-Processable Solid Electrolytes into Conventional Li-Ion-Battery Electrodes for
Dong Hyeon Kim1, Dae Yang Oh1, Kern Ho Park1
1School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Department of Energy Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan 44919, South Korea.
Nano Letters
|April 1, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a scalable method for fabricating solid-state lithium-ion battery electrodes using infiltrated solid electrolyte solutions. This approach enhances ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance, paving the way for safer, high-energy-density batteries.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASLBs) offer improved safety and energy density over conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
- Sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) are crucial for ASLBs due to high ionic conductivity and deformability, but their reactivity and particulate nature complicate electrode fabrication.
- Conventional wet-slurry methods face challenges with solvent compatibility, binder availability, and achieving optimal ionic contacts in ASLB electrodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, scalable fabrication protocol for ASLB electrodes.
- To overcome the limitations of traditional fabrication methods for sulfide-based ASLB electrodes.
- To improve ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance in bulk-type ASLBs.
Main Methods:
- Developed a fabrication protocol using conventional LIB electrodes infiltrated with homogeneous SE solutions (e.g., Li6PS5Cl in ethanol).
- Liquefied SE was infiltrated into the porous structure of LIB electrodes and subsequently solidified.
- Evaluated the electrochemical performance of infiltrated LiCoO2 and graphite electrodes in ASLBs.
Main Results:
- The infiltration method successfully created intimate ionic contacts and favorable ionic percolation within the electrodes.
- LPSCl-infiltrated electrodes exhibited high reversible capacities (141 mAh g-1 for LiCoO2, 364 mAh g-1 for graphite) at 0.14 mA cm-2.
- Performance was superior to conventional ASLB electrodes and comparable to liquid electrolyte cells, with good stability at 100 °C.
Conclusions:
- The proposed scalable infiltration protocol is effective for fabricating high-performance ASLB electrodes.
- This method addresses key challenges associated with sulfide SE reactivity and electrode processing.
- The findings highlight the potential of this approach for developing safer, high-energy-density, thermally stable ASLBs.