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Guiding Uniform Li Plating/Stripping through Lithium-Aluminum Alloying Medium for Long-Life Li Metal Batteries
Huan Ye1,2, Zi-Jian Zheng3, Hu-Rong Yao1,4
1CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|November 18, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a lithium-aluminum alloy layer to prevent lithium dendrite growth in batteries. This innovation enhances battery safety and longevity by enabling uniform lithium deposition and compensating for lithium loss.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth during battery cycling leads to reduced coulombic efficiency and significant safety risks.
- Lithium dendrites can cause internal short circuits, compromising battery performance and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for guiding uniform metallic lithium nucleation and growth, thereby preventing dendrite formation.
- To enhance the long-term stability and safety of lithium metal batteries.
Main Methods:
- An in situ electrochemical process was employed to generate a lithiophilic binary lithium-aluminum (LiAl) alloy layer on the lithium electrode.
- The LiAl alloy layer was investigated for its ability to guide lithium deposition and act as a lithium reservoir.
Main Results:
- The generated LiAl alloy layer effectively guided uniform lithium nucleation and growth, suppressing dendrite formation.
- The LiAl alloy layer served as a lithium reservoir, compensating for irreversible lithium loss and improving cycling stability.
- The protected lithium electrode demonstrated superior cycling performance, exceeding 1700 hours in a Li|Li symmetric cell.
Conclusions:
- The in situ formed LiAl alloy layer is a promising strategy for enabling dendrite-free lithium metal anodes.
- This approach significantly enhances the coulombic efficiency and long-term cycling stability of lithium metal batteries, addressing key safety and performance challenges.
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