A-LLTO Nanoparticles Embedded Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Room Temperature Operational Li-metal Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium-ion batteries are crucial for electric vehicles but face limitations in energy demands.
• Solid-state batteries (SSBs) offer a promising alternative for enhanced safety and energy density.
• Development of robust and reliable solid electrolytes is key for advancing SSB technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel self-healing composite solid polymer electrolyte (CSPE) for solid-state batteries.
• To investigate the effect of aluminum-doped (Li_0.33La_0.56)_1.005Ti_0.99Al_0.01O₃ (A-LLTO) nanofillers on electrolyte properties.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance of the developed solid electrolyte in a CR-2032 cell.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a CSPE matrix using Jeffamine ED-2003 and Benzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde crosslinker in DMF/LiPF₆.
• Incorporated varying amounts (5-12.5%) of A-LLTO nanofillers into the CSPE matrix.
• Fabricated and tested CR-2032 coin cells with LiFePO₄ (LFP) cathodes and Li anodes.

Main Results:

• The composite electrolyte (CAL-10%) exhibited an ionic conductivity of 1.1 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 at room temperature.
• Uniform dispersion of A-LLTO nanofillers formed a percolation network, enhancing Li⁺ ion diffusion.
• The LFP║CAL-10%║Li cell demonstrated a high initial discharge capacity of ~165 mAh g^-1 at 0.1C for 120 cycles with 98.85% coulombic efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The novel CSPE with A-LLTO nanofillers shows excellent ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability.
• The developed material is a promising candidate for high-performance solid-state batteries.
• This advancement contributes to the development of safer and more reliable next-generation energy storage solutions.