Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell by Constructing a Solid-Phase Lithium-Conducting Network in a Compacted Cathode.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Fast charging in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is limited by Li-ion diffusion in compacted cathodes.
• Poor electrolyte infiltration in high-density electrodes hinders high-rate performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for improving Li-ion diffusion in compacted LIB cathodes.
• To enable fast charging capabilities in high volumetric energy density LIBs.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of Li$_{6.4}$La$_{3}$Zr$_{1.4}$Ta$_{0.6}$O$_{12}$ as a solid-phase Li-conducting additive.
• Utilizing X-ray computed tomography to analyze ion transport mechanisms.
• Electrochemical testing of modified compacted cathodes in Li-ion pouch cells.

Main Results:

• The modified cathode with the Li-conducting network maintained a specific capacity of 97.9 mAh g$^{-1}$ at a 5 C rate.
• The additive facilitated ion transport, preventing electrochemical failure observed in unmodified cathodes.
• Successful demonstration in practical Li-ion pouch cells with thick, compacted cathodes.

Conclusions:

• Constructing a solid-phase Li-conducting network is an effective strategy to enhance fast charging in compacted LIB cathodes.
• Tuning Li transport pathways can overcome electrolyte infiltration limitations.
• This approach holds potential for advancing high-rate energy storage solutions.