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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Focused Ion Beam Fabrication of LiPON-based Solid-state Lithium-ion Nanobatteries for In Situ Testing
Published on: March 7, 2018
A solid-state lithium-ion battery with micron-sized silicon anode operating free from external pressure
1Center of Energy Storage Materials & Technology, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China.
This study introduces an elastic solid electrolyte for solid-state batteries (SSBs), eliminating the need for external pressure. This innovation enhances battery stability and performance, paving the way for safer, more energy-dense devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Solid-State Batteries
Background:
- High stack pressure is crucial for solid-state lithium-ion batteries (SSBs) to prevent internal voids and Li-ion transport issues caused by volume changes.
- External pressurizing devices reduce battery energy density and increase manufacturing costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mechanical optimization strategy for SSBs that eliminates the need for external pressurizing devices.
- To design an elastic solid electrolyte that relies solely on the built-in pressure within the battery cells.
Main Methods:
- Developed an elastic solid electrolyte by combining a soft-rigid dual monomer copolymer with a deep eutectic mixture.
- Tested the performance of the elastic electrolyte in micron-sized Si anode configurations and Li/elastic electrolyte/LiFePO4 batteries.
- Evaluated battery stability and capacity retention under conditions without external stack pressure.
Main Results:
- The elastic solid electrolyte exhibits high stretchability, deformation recovery, high room-temperature Li-ion conductivity (2×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹), and nonflammability.
- Micron-sized Si anodes paired with the elastic electrolyte showed 90.8% capacity retention over 300 cycles without external pressure.
- Li/elastic electrolyte/LiFePO4 batteries achieved 143.3 mAh g⁻¹ after 400 cycles, and Si/elastic electrolyte/LiFePO4 full cells maintained 98.3% capacity over 100 cycles.
Conclusions:
- An elastic solid electrolyte strategy enables the operation of solid-state batteries without external stack pressure.
- This approach significantly enhances battery stability, energy density, and safety.
- The developed elastic electrolyte advances the practical application of high-performance solid-state batteries.
