Lithium-silver alloys in anode-less batteries: comparison in liquid- and solid-electrolytes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Battery Technology

Background:

• Anode-less batteries offer high energy density potential.
• Understanding phase evolution in silver-carbon (Ag/C) composite layers is crucial for battery performance.
• Electrolyte type significantly impacts interfacial reactions and material stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the phase evolution of Ag/C layers in anode-less batteries.
• To compare the Ag/C phase evolution in liquid versus solid electrolyte systems.
• To elucidate the mechanisms governing alloying homogeneity.

Main Methods:

• In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) for real-time phase analysis.
• Cross-sectional electron microscopy for microstructural investigation.
• Comparative analysis of cells with liquid and solid electrolytes.

Main Results:

• Ag/C layers exhibit more homogeneous silver-lithium (Ag-Li) alloying in solid-electrolyte-based cells.
• Liquid-electrolyte-based cells show less homogeneous Ag-Li alloying.
• Diffusional Coble creep at Ag/C and solid electrolyte interfaces promotes homogeneity.

Conclusions:

• Solid electrolytes facilitate superior Ag-Li alloying homogeneity in Ag/C layers for anode-less batteries.
• The findings highlight the critical role of electrolyte type in controlling interfacial reactions.
• Diffusional Coble creep is identified as a key mechanism for enhanced homogeneity.