A Comparison of Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation and Evolution on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic and Disordered...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Battery Technology

Background:

• The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for lithium-ion battery (LIB) performance, but its formation and evolution are poorly understood.
• SEI properties depend on electrolyte choice and electrode surface characteristics.
• The influence of structural defects in graphitic electrodes on SEI behavior is an open research question.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic SEI formation and evolution on graphitic electrodes with and without defects.
• To compare SEI behavior on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and disordered graphite (DG) electrodes.
• To elucidate the mechanistic insights into SEI formation and evolution influenced by electrode defects.

Main Methods:

• Operando electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EChem-AFM) for nondestructive monitoring of SEI topographical and mechanical changes.
• Complementary chemical analysis.
• Theoretical calculations.

Main Results:

• Systematic monitoring and comparison of SEI formation and evolution on HOPG and DG electrodes.
• Characterization of topographical and mechanical changes of SEI during electrochemical cycling.
• Mechanistic insights into SEI formation and evolution provided by combined experimental and theoretical approaches.

Conclusions:

• Structural defects in graphitic electrodes play a significant role in SEI formation and evolution.
• Understanding defect-induced SEI changes offers a pathway to engineer better carbon materials for LIBs.
• This research provides guidance for designing functional SEIs to enhance LIB performance and longevity.