Borate-Water-Based 3D-Slime Interface Quasi-Solid Electrolytes for Li-ion Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Solid-state batteries (SSBs) offer enhanced safety over conventional lithium-ion batteries.
• Sulfide and oxide SSBs face challenges including moisture sensitivity, hazardous byproducts, high-temperature processing, and manufacturing costs.
• There is a need for facile, low-cost, and scalable materials and processes for SSB production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel quasi-solid-state (QSS) electrolyte and battery system that overcomes the limitations of current SSB technologies.
• To demonstrate a manufacturing process that eliminates the need for stringent environmental controls and high-temperature sintering.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance and recyclability of the developed QSS battery.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel amorphous Li2B4O7 and water-based quasi-solid-state electrolyte (3D-SLISE) enabling 3D-ionic conduction and adhesive interfaces.
• Fabrication of battery laminates by applying electrode and electrolyte slurries containing 3D-SLISE to current-collecting foils in ambient air, followed by natural drying.
• Assembly and electrochemical testing of 3D-SLISE quasi-solid-state batteries (QSSBs) with LiCoO2 cathodes and Li4Ti5O12 or TiNb2O7 anodes.

Main Results:

• The 3D-SLISE electrolyte was successfully synthesized without requiring low-dew-point control or high-temperature sintering.
• The fabricated 3D-SLISE-QSSBs demonstrated stable charge/discharge cycling for several hundred cycles at 2.35 V.
• The developed technology eliminates the need for dry rooms and facilitates direct recycling of active battery materials.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-SLISE electrolyte provides a viable pathway for manufacturing safe, low-cost, and environmentally friendly quasi-solid-state batteries.
• This approach simplifies battery production by enabling air processing and natural drying, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
• The technology holds promise for advancing sustainable energy storage solutions through improved safety and recyclability.