Near-strain-free anode architecture enabled by interfacial diffusion creep for initial-anode-free quasi-solid-state...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Anode-free solid-state batteries offer high energy density but suffer from internal strain during lithium plating/stripping.
• This strain at the solid electrolyte interface limits cycle life and practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strain-mitigation strategy for anode-free solid-state batteries.
• To enhance the stability and cyclability of garnet-type solid-state electrolytes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a titanium nitrate nanotube architecture as an interlayer.
• Incorporated a silver-carbon interlayer to manage stress.
• Fabricated a quasi-solid-state battery with LLZTO electrolyte and a high-voltage NMC cathode.

Main Results:

• The titanium nitrate nanotube interlayer accommodated lithium deposition via interfacial diffusion creep, suppressing volume expansion by tenfold compared to copper anodes.
• Achieved near-strain-free operation during lithiation.
• The full cell demonstrated over 600 cycles at 1 mA cm⁻² with 99.8% average coulombic efficiency at room temperature.

Conclusions:

• The novel interlayer architecture effectively mitigates interfacial strain in anode-free solid-state batteries.
• This approach significantly improves the cyclability and stability of garnet-type solid-state batteries, paving the way for safer, high-energy-density energy storage.