In Situ Fabricated Non-Flammable Quasi-Solid Electrolytes for Li-Metal Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) offer high energy density but face safety challenges like fire hazards and performance degradation.
• Current electrolytes often lack the necessary safety and compatibility for practical LMB applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate novel nonflammable quasi-solid electrolytes (NQSEs) for enhanced safety and performance in LMBs.
• To address the limitations of conventional electrolytes in high-energy density battery systems.

Main Methods:

• In situ polymerization method utilizing 1,3,2-dioxathiolan-2,2-oxide as an initiator and interphase formation agent.
• Incorporation of triethyl phosphate as a fire-retardant agent to create NQSEs.
• Fabrication of robust interface layers to protect battery electrodes.

Main Results:

• NQSEs exhibit high ionic conductivity (0.38 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature).
• Demonstrated stable lithium metal plating/striping and formation of intimate solid-electrolyte interphases.
• Achieved excellent survivability at high voltage (4.5 V) and high temperature (>60 °C).

Conclusions:

• The developed NQSEs provide an effective strategy for creating safe, high-energy density, and high-temperature quasi-solid LMBs.
• This approach enhances the practical viability of LMBs by mitigating fire hazards and improving performance stability.