Toward High-Energy-Density Aqueous Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Silver Nanowires as Current Collectors

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous lithium-ion batteries (ALIBs) face limitations in energy density due to unsuitable current collectors.
• Developing competitive ALIBs requires innovations in lightweight and efficient current collector materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate ALIBs with improved energy density using silver nanowire (AgNW) films as current collectors.
• To investigate the electrochemical performance of AgNW films in a molecular crowding electrolyte.

Main Methods:

• Utilized silver nanowire (AgNW) films as current collectors in ALIBs.
• Employed a molecular crowding electrolyte (2 m LiTFSI-94% PEG-6% H2O).
• Fabricated LiMn2O4//Li4Ti5O12 ALIBs.

Main Results:

• AgNW films exhibited a broad electrochemical stability window of 3.8 V.
• ALIBs achieved an initial energy density of 70 Wh/kg (cathode and anode mass).
• The batteries retained 89.1% of their energy density after 50 cycles.

Conclusions:

• Silver nanowire films are promising lightweight current collectors for enhancing ALIB energy density.
• The developed ALIBs demonstrate competitive energy density and good cycling stability.
• This work offers a viable strategy for advancing aqueous lithium-ion battery technology.