Maximizing Areal Capacity in All-Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries Using Single Crystalline Ni-Rich Cathodes and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLBs) offer enhanced safety and energy density compared to conventional batteries.
• Ni-rich layered oxides are key cathode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop high-performance ASSLBs using a single-crystalline Ni-rich NCM811 (SC-NCM811) cathode and a Li6PS5Br solid electrolyte.
• To investigate the impact of cathode material and stack pressure on ASSLB performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of ASSLBs with SC-NCM811 cathodes and Li6PS5Br solid electrolyte.
• Optimization of cathode loading and stack pressure.
• Electrochemical performance testing, including capacity retention and rate capability.

Main Results:

• Achieved exceptional areal capacity exceeding 4 mAh/cm2 with high cathode loading (∼21 mg/cm2).
• Demonstrated superior capacity retention and rate performance for SC-NCM811 compared to polycrystalline NCM811 (PC-NCM811) at optimized stack pressure.
• Highlighted the critical role of cathode engineering and stack pressure optimization.

Conclusions:

• SC-NCM811 is a highly efficient cathode material for next-generation ASSLBs.
• Optimized ASSLBs offer increased energy density and operational safety.
• This work paves the way for the practical implementation of advanced ASSLBs.