Atypical Analysis of a Graphite-Based Anode Prepared Using Aqueous Processes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation is crucial for lithium-ion battery (LIB) performance and longevity.
• Conventional SEI formation methods can be time-consuming and energy-intensive.
• Aqueous processing offers a potentially more sustainable route for battery component fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel graphite anode (MG-AQP) for LIBs using aqueous composites (AQCs).
• To investigate the SEI formation mechanism and electrochemical performance of MG-AQP.
• To demonstrate the potential of aqueous processes for efficient SEI layer formation and improved battery cycling.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MG-AQP by crosslinking graphite particles with AQCs containing zwitterionic polymer, zwitterion molecules, and lithium salts.
• Assembly of full LIB cells (LIB-MG-AQP//NMC811) and half cells (LIBs-MG-AQP) for electrochemical testing.
• Performance evaluation using cyclic voltammetry, rate cycling (0.5 C-rate break-in, 1 C-rate cycling), and analysis of coulombic efficiency.

Main Results:

• MG-AQP anodes exhibited outstanding cyclic stability in full LIB cells.
• Half cells demonstrated minimal SEI formation during initial cycling, leading to a high initial coulombic efficiency of 92% at 0.5 C-rate.
• The AQC structure effectively minimized cracks, preventing electrolyte solvent penetration into the graphite anode.

Conclusions:

• The developed MG-AQP anode, utilizing aqueous composite crosslinking, enables efficient SEI formation with high initial coulombic efficiency.
• This aqueous-based approach offers a promising, time- and energy-saving alternative to conventional SEI formation techniques.
• The study provides valuable insights for optimizing graphite anodes and advancing sustainable battery manufacturing.