High-Voltage Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries with Stable Anodic and Cathodic Interfaces by a Laminated Solid...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are promising for high-voltage lithium metal batteries (LMBs) due to their potential for high energy density and safety.
• Current SPEs face challenges in maintaining high-voltage stability with cathodes and compatibility with lithium anodes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual-layered solid electrolyte (DLSE) that overcomes the limitations of current SPEs in high-voltage LMBs.
• To enhance both cathode-electrolyte and anode-electrolyte interfaces for improved battery performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a DLSE with an oxidation-resistant poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) layer and a reduction-compatible poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) layer.
• Incorporation of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) nanoparticles and an ionic liquid plasticizer into the PVDF layer.
• Characterization of the DLSE's ionic conductivity, Li+ transference number, and mechanical strength.

Main Results:

• The fabricated DLSE demonstrated favorable ionic conductivity, Li+ transference number, and mechanical strength.
• The dual-layer design effectively addressed interfacial issues at both the cathode and anode.
• LMBs utilizing the DLSE exhibited excellent room-temperature performance, including high rate capacity and extended cycle life.

Conclusions:

• The developed DLSE offers a viable solution for constructing stable and high-performance high-voltage LMBs.
• The unique combination of polymer layers in the DLSE significantly improves interfacial compatibility and overall battery performance.
• This work paves the way for safer and more energy-dense lithium metal batteries.