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A Mixed Modified Layer Formed In Situ to Protect and Guide Lithium Plating/Stripping Behavior
Yitian Ma1, Li Li1,2, Lili Wang1
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Material Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 20, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a new protective layer for lithium metal batteries by modifying copper foil with indium nitride. This layer improves lithium plating and stripping, inhibiting dendrite growth for safer, more efficient batteries.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Uncontrolled lithium plating/stripping is a critical issue hindering the performance and safety of lithium metal batteries (LMBs).
- Developing effective strategies to regulate lithium deposition and stripping is essential for advancing LMB technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To modify a copper foil current collector with an indium nitride (InN) thin film to regulate lithium plating/stripping.
- To investigate the in situ formation of a protective layer and its effect on lithium dendrite growth and battery performance.
Main Methods:
- Modification of copper foil current collector surface with an indium nitride (InN) thin film.
- In situ lithiation process to transform InN into a protective layer composed of lithium nitride (Li3N) and Li-In alloy.
- Electrochemical testing of Li∥Cu and Li∥Li symmetrical cells to evaluate Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability.
Main Results:
- The InN thin film transformed into a Li3N/Li-In alloy mixed layer during initial lithium plating, acting as an efficient Li+ conductor.
- This synergistic protective layer facilitated fast Li+ diffusion, suppressed lithium dendrite growth, and promoted uniform bottom lithium deposition.
- Li∥Cu cells with the InN modification showed enhanced Coulombic efficiency and stability compared to control cells.
Conclusions:
- The in situ formation of a multifunctional modified layer via a facile preparation process is an effective strategy to inhibit dendrite growth.
- This approach significantly improves the lithium plating/stripping process, paving the way for the accelerated application of lithium metal batteries.
